Unwanted 72: Uses and Considerations

Unwanted 72 is an oral pill that can be purchased over the counter for purposes of emergency contraception for the prevention of an unwanted pregnancy as a result of unprotected intercourse or failure of contraceptive measures.

Unwanted 72, marketed by Mankind Pharmaceuticals, is a single tablet containing 1.5 mg of synthetic progestin, Levonorgestrel. It is intended for the following uses:

  • Unplanned intercourse in couples that are steady or married;
  • Failed measures of contraception including ruptured condoms, faulty diaphragms or expelled IUDs;
  • In cases of sexual abuse, rape or incest;
  • Single acts of sudden, unexpected intercourse among teenage girls;
  • For couples that practice coitus interruptus instead of any other form of protection.

Unwanted 72: Method of Use

For this emergency contraception to be effective, it is necessary to take one 1.5 mg pill of Levonorgestrel on a single day and within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. Best results are seen when Unwanted 72 is taken quickly, within 72 hours of an event, as it takes 72 hours after fertilization for a woman’s body to produce a pregnancy. The level of protection provided by Unwanted 72 is as follows:

  • If taken within 24 hours – up to 95% effective
  • If taken within 24 to 48 hours – 85% effective
  • If taken within 48 to 72 hours – 58% effective

NOTE: If a woman should vomit after taking Unwanted 72, it is recommended to repeat the one time dose for effectiveness in pregnancy prevention under the direction of a healthcare provider.

How Unwanted 72 Works

Levonorgestrel, when given at a dose of 1.5 mg, blocks the actions of the hormones LH and FSH which are responsible for maturing the egg, preparing the womb to receive a fertilized egg and for the actual implantation of the egg in the uterine lining.

During this timeframe, unwanted 72 is capable of blocking all of these actions, preventing an unwanted pregnancy.

Unwanted 72 Side Effects and Adverse Effects

The side effects are not life threatening and usually subside on their own. In some circumstances, only minor treatment is necessary.

The Unwanted 72 side effects in Hindi include the following:

  • Fatigue;
  • Headache;
  • Dizziness;
  • Breast tenderness;
  • Vaginal bleeding or spotting before the anticipated date of menses;
  • Flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, muscle cramps, joint pains and nasal congestion;
  • Gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea, bloating, abdominal cramps, nausea and rarely vomiting.

Adverse effects of Unwanted 72 include:

  • A pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus, known as ectopic pregnancy;
  • Bleeding into the ovaries;
  • Vaginal yeast infection;
  • Delayed menses;
  • Infections of the ears, nose and throat;
  • Elevated blood sugars;
  • Elevated platelets;
  • Heart palpitations.

These pills are intended for emergency use and should not be used on a regular basis as a means of protection against an unwanted pregnancy. Frequent use of these pills can cause non-reversible damage to a woman’s reproductive system, including:

  • Menstrual problems such as irregular menses and painful menstrual cramping;
  • Damage to the ovaries as this pill interrupts the natural response of the female reproductive system to egg fertilization. Once a woman decides to achieve a pregnancy she may face infertility issues as a result of frequent use of Unwanted 72;
  • Skin allergies as skin may become sensitive to the sun and some have experienced skin dryness or rashes;
  • Hormonal imbalances resulting in longer periods of menstruation and weight gain;
  • Prominent hair loss has been reported by some women as a result of frequent use of Unwanted 72.

For a detailed list of Unwanted 72 side effects in Hindi, see the following link below: www.rajeshroshan.com/2007/09/29/ciplas-i-pill/

Warnings and Precautions in Use of Unwanted 72

The warnings associated with Unwanted 72 include:

  • This OTC pill does not offer protection against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases;
  • The chances of this pill being ineffective are higher when used late and closer to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse;
  • Vomiting for up to a period of 3 hours after taking the pill is considered a missed dose and a repeat dose under the guidance of a healthcare provider is necessary;
  • Absence of menses for more than seven days after the expected date or a period beyond three weeks from the date of administration of this pill warrants a consultation to rule out pregnancy.

Unwanted 72 should not be used in the following circumstances without advice from a healthcare provider:

  • A current pregnancy;
  • More than 72 hours has passed from the time of unprotected intercourse;
  • Vaginal bleeding that is undiagnosed;
  • High blood pressure (hypertension);
  • A medical history of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, diabetes or liver disorder;
  • A known allergy to Unwanted 72 or Levonorgestrel;
  • Breast cancer;
  • Currently taking any medications, especially anti-tuberculosis, anti-HIV, or anti-epileptics.

Drug Interactions

The following medications may reduce the effectiveness of Unwanted 72 and include the following groups:

  • Anticonvulsants (Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Carbamazepine)
  • Anti-tuberculosis medications (Rifampin, Rifabutin)
  • Antibiotics (Penicillin, Ampicillin, Tetracycline)
  • Acetaminophen
  • Some herbal medications including St. John’s Wort

Keep in mind that Unwanted 72 is a progesterone-based pill that prevents pregnancy, if you are pregnant, the fertilized egg is already implanted in the uterus, so this pill will be ineffective. It is not a pill intended for abortion and it is recommended by many doctors for use by women who are at least 25 years of age.