OC 21 TABLET
Product introduction
OC 21 TABLET is an effective contraceptive option used by women to avoid an unintended or unwanted pregnancy. It is usually used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (where the contraceptive method was broken/slipped/missed). It must not be used as a regular contraceptive method.
OC 21 TABLET comes as a single tablet or dose which can be taken with or without food. It must be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours (3 days) after the first episode of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure has occurred. It works primarily by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary (also known as ovulation), and therefore, the sooner it is used the better.
Overall, OC 21 TABLET is well tolerated. However, like all medicines, it can have some side effects too, but these generally do not last more than 1-2 days and not everyone using it may experience these. The most common side effects may include nausea, irregular bleeding before the next period, lower abdominal pain, tiredness, and headache. If you experience any side effect that persists or is worrying you, consult your doctor immediately.
Before taking OC 21 TABLET, check to ensure that you are not already pregnant, haven't missed your period or your period is not delayed by more than 7 days, or is not already more than 72 hours (3 days) since the first episode of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. If any of the above mentioned is true, consult your doctor immediately.
Uses of OC 21 Tablet
Benefits of OC 21 Tablet
In Emergency contraception
OC 21 TABLET offers a safe and effective option for preventing unintended pregnancy. It is widely accessible and easy to use, making it a convenient choice for women seeking emergency contraception. Unlike some contraceptive methods, OC 21 TABLET can be taken at any time during the monthly cycle and does not require a physical examination or a prescription. It can also be used by women who cannot use oral contraceptive pills due to contraindications. OC 21 TABLET contains relatively fewer hormones compared to regular contraceptive pills, reducing the potential for metabolic effects over time. Additionally, its short exposure duration minimizes the risk of fetal malformations or congenital defects, and it does not increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Side effects of OC 21 Tablet
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of OC 21
- Nausea
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Lower abdominal pain
- Tiredness
- Headache
How to use OC 21 Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. OC 21 TABLET may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How OC 21 Tablet works
OC 21 TABLET is a progestin-only, levonorgestrel-containing emergency contraceptive pill. It works primarily by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary (a process known as ovulation). Hence, the sooner it is taken the better.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with OC 21 TABLET. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
UNSAFE
OC 21 TABLET is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
OC 21 TABLET is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Nonhormonal contraceptives is preferred in breastfeeding women, especially during the first 4 weeks postpartum
Nonhormonal contraceptives is preferred in breastfeeding women, especially during the first 4 weeks postpartum
Driving
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether OC 21 TABLET alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Kidney
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of OC 21 TABLET in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of OC 21 TABLET in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
OC 21 TABLET
₹3.6/Tablet
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Quick tips
- If you vomit within 2 hours of taking OC 21 TABLET, you will need to take it again as the medication may not be absorbed by your body. If you continue to vomit, consult a doctor immediately for advice.
- It must not be used as a regular method of contraception, and should only be used in case of an emergency.
- If your period is delayed by more than a week, take a pregnancy test.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Progesterone Congeners
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
GYNAECOLOGICAL
Action Class
Progestins (Second generation)
Patient concerns
User feedback
What are you using OC 21 Tablet for?
Emergency con*
100%
*Emergency contraception
FAQs
What is OC 21 TABLET?
It is an emergency contraceptive tablet which is used in case of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
When is it appropriate to take OC 21 TABLET tablet?
You should take it only in emergency situations such as unprotected sex, contraceptive failure (eg. broken condom) or irregular use of your birth control pills.
How should I take OC 21 TABLET?
Take one tablet as soon as possible, not later than 72 hours of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
How effective is OC 21 TABLET?
The sooner you take it, the more effective it is. OC 21 TABLET significantly reduces your chances of becoming pregnant if used within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
What are the side effects of OC 21 TABLET?
It is almost safe for all women. Some common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache and lower abdominal pain may occur. Your breasts may become more tender than usual. There is a possibility of unexpected vaginal bleeding, but this should clear up by the time you get your next period. Your periods may become irregular. Go for a pregnancy test if they are delayed by more than a week.
Can I take OC 21 TABLET during breastfeeding?
Yes, it is safe during breastfeeding. It is unlikely to cause any significant effect on milk quantity that can affect the infant adversely.
How often can I use OC 21 TABLET?
It can be taken more than once in a month but it is advised only for emergency contraception. Keep using regular contraception like condoms, regular birth control pills, IUDs etc. for avoiding unwanted pregnancy.
Is a pregnancy test required after taking OC 21 TABLET?
Although OC 21 TABLET significantly reduces your chances of pregnancy, if your periods are delayed by more than a week, a pregnancy test is recommended. However, if you decide on continuing the pregnancy, you may do so as OC 21 TABLET does not work if pregnancy has already been established. It will not cause harm to the foetus.
Can OC 21 TABLET be taken for regular birth control?
No, it is not indicated for regular birth control. It is used only as an emergency measure after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Can OC 21 TABLET protect against Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs) and HIV / AIDS?
No, it does not offer any protection from HIV / AIDS or other Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs). You can use condoms to protect yourself from STDs and HIV / AIDS.
What is the difference between 'emergency contraceptive pill' and 'abortion pill'?
Pregnancy starts once the fertilized egg gets attached to the lining of the uterus (womb). Abortion pills contain medicine, which hinders the development of a pregnancy after it has occurred and also alters the character of the womb lining in a way that the fertilized egg gets detached, hence causing abortion. On the other hand, emergency contraceptive pills like OC 21 TABLET contain female hormones which delay the release of egg or prevent movement of sperm towards the egg. This prevents fertilization and hence pregnancy. OC 21 TABLET does not have any effect on a fertilized egg and hence does not cause abortion.
Is OC 21 TABLET effective if frequent acts of intercourse have occurred in a short duration of time?
Yes. It is effective if you have had several acts of intercourse in a short span of time. However, it is important that these acts have occurred within 72 hours before taking OC 21 TABLET. Also, since there is a chance of unintended pregnancy after frequent acts of unprotected sex in the same cycle, it is advisable to use a barrier contraceptive method (e.g. condom) until the next period even after using OC 21 TABLET.
What is OC 21 TABLET?
It is an emergency contraceptive pill which is used in case of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, to prevent an unintended or unwanted pregnancy.
When is it appropriate to take OC 21 TABLET tablet?
You should take it only in emergency situations such as unprotected sex (no contraceptive use), contraceptive failure (e.g. broken condom), or irregular use of your birth control pills.
How should I take OC 21 TABLET?
Take one tablet as soon as possible, not later than 72 hours (3 days) after the first episode of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
How effective is OC 21 TABLET?
OC 21 TABLET significantly reduces your chances of becoming pregnant if used within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is.
What are the side effects of OC 21 TABLET?
It is almost safe for all women. Some common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache and lower abdominal pain may occur. Your breasts may become more tender than usual. There is a possibility of unexpected vaginal bleeding, but this should clear up by the time you get your next period. Your periods may become irregular. Go for a pregnancy test if they are delayed by more than a week.
Can I take OC 21 TABLET during breastfeeding?
Yes, it is safe during breastfeeding. It is unlikely to cause any significant effect on milk quantity that can affect the infant adversely.
How often can I use OC 21 TABLET?
It can be taken more than once in a month but it is advised only for emergency contraception. Keep using regular contraception like condoms, regular birth control pills, IUDs etc. for avoiding unwanted pregnancy.
Is a pregnancy test required after taking OC 21 TABLET?
Although OC 21 TABLET significantly reduces your chances of pregnancy, if your periods are delayed by more than a week, a pregnancy test is recommended. However, if you decide on continuing the pregnancy, you may do so as OC 21 TABLET does not work if pregnancy has already been established. It will not cause harm to the foetus.
Can OC 21 TABLET be taken for regular birth control?
No, it is not indicated for regular birth control. It is used only as an emergency measure after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Can OC 21 TABLET protect against Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs) and HIV / AIDS?
No, it does not offer any protection from HIV / AIDS or other Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs). You can use condoms to protect yourself from STDs and HIV / AIDS.
What is the difference between 'emergency contraceptive pill' and 'abortion pill'?
Pregnancy starts once the fertilized egg gets attached to the lining of the uterus (womb). Abortion pills contain medicine, which hinders the development of a pregnancy after it has occurred and also alters the character of the womb lining in a way that the fertilized egg gets detached, hence causing abortion. On the other hand, emergency contraceptive pills like OC 21 TABLET contain female hormones which delay the release of egg or prevent movement of sperm towards the egg. This prevents fertilization and hence pregnancy. OC 21 TABLET does not have any effect on a fertilized egg and hence does not cause abortion.
Is OC 21 TABLET effective if frequent acts of intercourse have occurred in a short duration of time?
Yes. It is effective if you have had several acts of intercourse in a short span of time. However, it is important that these acts have occurred within 72 hours before taking OC 21 TABLET. Also, since there is a chance of unintended pregnancy after frequent acts of unprotected sex in the same cycle, it is advisable to use a barrier contraceptive method (e.g. condom) until the next period even after using OC 21 TABLET.
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Disclaimer:
Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.References
- Levonorgestrel. Albert Street, Slough: Lupin Healthcare (UK) Ltd.; 2014 [revised 3 May 2018]. [Accessed 04 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
- Drugs.com. Levonogestrel. [Accessed 04 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
- Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-S198. [Accessed 03 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 04 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Marketer details
Name: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
Address: Plot no 107/108,Namli block , Ranipool, East Sikkim 737135
Country of origin: India
The list of available options shown with the same composition has been prepared upon the advice of registered medical practitioners, pharmacists affiliated with TATA 1MG. TATA 1MG does not promote any pharmaceutical product of any particular company, and all recommendations are based on the medical opinion, advisories from specialist medical and pharmaceutical professionals.
The list of available options shown with the same composition has been prepared upon the advice of registered medical practitioners, pharmacists affiliated with TATA 1MG. TATA 1MG does not promote any pharmaceutical product of any particular company, and all recommendations are based on the medical opinion, advisories from specialist medical and pharmaceutical professionals.
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