OC 21
OC 21 Products are primarily used for
Emergency contraception
About OC 21 Products
Uses of OC 21 Products
Levonorgestrel is used for emergency contraception. It provides a safe and effective way to prevent an unintended pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
OC 21 Products side effects
Common
Side Effects of OC 21 are Depression, Diarrhea, Breast tenderness, Headache, Fatigue, Nausea, Dizziness, Breast pain, Abdominal pain, Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), Lighter menstrual bleeding, Vomiting, Vaginal discharge, Nervousness, Vaginal inflammation, Pain during periods, Weight gain, Decreased libido, High blood pressure.
Severe
Side Effects of OC 21 are Stroke, Malignant liver tumors, Benign liver tumors, Diabetes, Arterial thromboembolism (blood clot in artery), Venous thromboembolism, Breast cancer.
How OC 21 Products work
Levonorgestrel 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.
Patient Concerns about OC 21 Products
Frequently asked questions about OC 21 Products
Frequently asked questions about Levonorgestrel
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.
Q. 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.