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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Althea An Effective Emergency Contraceptive Pill?

Hi Doctor, My partner and I had intercourse when the condom broke. I was informed to have her take Althea pills as a form of emergency contraception. However, there does not seem to be any literature online pointing to Althea being used as a form of emergency contraception i.e. morning after pill. Can it be used as such? Thanks!
Tue, 6 Sep 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Althea is a Cyproterone acetate-ethinyl estradiol based oral contraceptive. It acts as an emergency contraceptive if it has been taken on time and in correct dose. A total of 4 pills should be used for emergency contraception – 2 pills within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse and next 2 pills after 12 hours.
However the best emergency contraceptive pill is levonorgetrel 1.5 mg within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
Emergency contraceptive pills are effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. These pills are most effective when taken immediately after unprotected intercourse. Efficacy declines as time elapses between sex and drug administration. But it is reasonably effective for up to 120 hours and perhaps longer. However, you should remember that it is more effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex. However, it is not 100% effective, and pregnancy is possible even after its proper and timely use.
All the best!!
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Is Althea An Effective Emergency Contraceptive Pill?

Althea is a Cyproterone acetate-ethinyl estradiol based oral contraceptive. It acts as an emergency contraceptive if it has been taken on time and in correct dose. A total of 4 pills should be used for emergency contraception – 2 pills within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse and next 2 pills after 12 hours. However the best emergency contraceptive pill is levonorgetrel 1.5 mg within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Emergency contraceptive pills are effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. These pills are most effective when taken immediately after unprotected intercourse. Efficacy declines as time elapses between sex and drug administration. But it is reasonably effective for up to 120 hours and perhaps longer. However, you should remember that it is more effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex. However, it is not 100% effective, and pregnancy is possible even after its proper and timely use. All the best!!