Question 1

What is Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

Escapelle/Postinor is an emergency contraceptive pill, also known as the 'morning after pill.' It can be used in situations where you've had unprotected sex or experienced a contraception mishap. This pill contains levonorgestrel, which is similar to the hormone progesterone naturally produced in the body. It helps prevent pregnancy by either stopping ovulation or delaying it, ensuring that no egg meets any sperm, thus preventing pregnancy.

Question 2

Why Escapelle/Postinor emergency contraception pill?

Accepted Answer

You can rely on Escapelle/Postinor, the worldwide tried and proven morning after pill.1,2
It effectively prevents pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse.
It comes from the no.1 emergency contraception manufacturer in the European and US markets.2
Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills from Gedeon Richter have been used over 415 million times worldwide1 over almost four decades.3
It is trusted in over 70 countries around the world.6
It utilizes a known mechanism of action.

Question 3

Shall I wait 72 hours to take Escapelle/Postinor emergency contraception pill?

Accepted Answer

On the contrary, it's actually super important to take it as soon as possible. The sooner you take Escapelle/Postinor after unprotected sex, the more effective it is in preventing pregnancy. Ideally, you should take it as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking the tablet, another tablet should be taken immediately.

Question 4

Who can take the emergency pill?

Accepted Answer

The emergency pill, also known as the morning after pill, can be taken by women of reproductive age (who have started menstruation and are before menopause), who have had unprotected sexual intercourse or experienced contraceptive failure. However, it's important to note that the emergency pill is not a regular method to prevent pregnancy and should only be used in emergency situations. Also, it is not recommended to take the emergency pill in these cases.

Question 5

How does the morning after pill work?

Accepted Answer

Escapelle/Postinor prevents pregnancy before it becomes established. It primarily works by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation prevention), thus reducing the chances of fertilization. It can also slow down the movement of sperm and affect the uterine lining, preventing implantation. It's crucial to understand that this pill is not an abortion pill. Escapelle/Postinor is not intended to terminate an existing pregnancy, and it won't harm one if it already exists.

Question 6

How sure is it that I will avoid pregnancy with Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

When taken correctly and as soon as possible (no later than 72 hours) after unprotected sex, Escapelle/Postinor is highly effective in preventing pregnancy. According to studies, the overall pregnancy rate is about 0.6–2.6% when taking it within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. 9-13 Meaning that out of 100 women who had unprotected sex, only 1-3 have the chance of pregnancy.

Question 7

What is the difference between Escapelle/Postinor and an abortion pill?

Accepted Answer

Escapelle/Postinor and abortion pills are completely different things.
Escapelle/Postinor is an emergency contraception pill that you take after unprotected sex to help prevent pregnancy.
It works by stopping the release of an egg or preventing the fertilization of an egg.
So, when taking Escapelle/Postinor correctly, it is most probable that pregnancy will not even occur.
Escapelle/Postinor can be bought over-the-counter without a prescription.
On the other hand, abortion pills are used to terminate a pregnancy that has already occurred.
They're taken when an individual decides not to continue with the pregnancy.
These pills are used under medical supervision and can only be obtained from a healthcare professional.
So, to sum it up, Escapelle/Postinor helps prevent pregnancy if taken after unprotected sex, while abortion pills are used to end a pregnancy if someone doesn't want to continue it.

Question 8

How can I avoid an abortion with Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

Escapelle/Postinor can be used as an emergency contraceptive to help you avoid the need for an abortion. To use it effectively, take the pill as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The sooner you take it, the more effective it will be in preventing pregnancy. 
It's crucial to be informed about the potential complications and negative effects of abortion. Some physical complications can include bleeding, infection, or injury to the uterus or cervix. Emotional responses may vary, and some individuals might experience feelings of sadness, guilt, or anxiety after the procedure.

Question 9

Do I need a prescription to get Escapelle/Postinor emergency contraception pill?

Accepted Answer

Escapelle/Postinor is available over-the-counter, which means you can purchase it without a prescription. It's designed to be easily accessible for emergency situations when you need it most. That being said, availability may vary depending on the regulations in your specific location.

Question 10

Where/How can I buy Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

It's essential to take Escapelle/Postinor within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, so don't wait too long!
You can usually find Escapelle/Postinor at most pharmacies without needing a prescription.
If you need it right away, just walk up to the counter and ask for it by name, or you can buy Escapelle/Postinor online and pick it up in a pharmacy.
Wondering where Escapelle/Postinor is stocked in your area? Find a pharmacy near you.

Question 11

Can I reserve Escapelle/Postinor online and pick it up in pharmacy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can buy Escapelle/Postinor online and pick it up in a pharmacy without needing a prescription.
Remember, it's essential to take Escapelle/Postinor within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, so don't wait too long!
If you need the morning after pill right now, check the availability in a pharmacy near you.

Question 12

What is Postinor ODT?

Accepted Answer

Postinor ODT is a type of emergency contraception that comes in the form of an orally disintegrating tablet, meaning you can take it without water. Postinor ODT is designed to dissolve quickly in the mouth, making it convenient for individuals who have difficulty swallowing tablets. Unlike some other tablets, Postinor ODT does not contain lactose, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or sensitivity.

Question 13

What is the difference between Escapelle, Postinor, and Postinor ODT?

Accepted Answer

Escapelle, Postinor, and Postinor ODT are brands of emergency contraception. The active ingredient in all three is levonorgestrel to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex by delaying the release of an egg (inhibiting ovulation). Escapelle and Postinor are regular tablets you swallow with water, while Postinor ODT dissolves in the mouth without water. Escapelle has one pill, while Postinor-2 has two. When taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, all are similarly effective.

Question 14

What if I&#8217;m already pregnant and I take Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

If you're already pregnant, taking Escapelle/Postinor won't have any effect on the pregnancy. This pill is meant to prevent pregnancy, not to terminate it, so, it's important to know that taking this pill won't harm your existing pregnancy14. The active ingredient in Escapelle/Postinor is levonorgestrel, which is considered safe for pregnant women. But, just to be on the safe side, it's always best to let your healthcare provider know about your situation.

Question 15

Can I take Escapelle/Postinor if I’m breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to Escapelle/Postinor and breastfeeding, it's essential to be cautious. This emergency contraceptive contains hormones that can pass into breast milk, so it's generally not recommended while breastfeeding.

Question 16

Will emergency contraception affect my future fertility?

Accepted Answer

Emergency contraception like Escapelle/Postinor won't mess with your future fertility. This pill is meant for one-time use only and won't have any long-term effects on your ability to have babies later on.

Question 17

What are the possible side effects of Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

Some common side effects might include nausea, headaches, abdominal pain, fatigue, or temporary changes in your menstrual cycle, like earlier or later periods. However, these usually go away on their own. Please read the patient information leaflet for all the possible side effects.

Question 18

Can I use a pregnancy quicktest to check if I&#8217;m pregnant before taking Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

No. Most home pregnancy tests are effective only after implantation has begun. If this process has already started, the Escapelle/Postinor pill will not be effective.
Pregnancy tests are designed to detect the presence of the pregnancy hormone (HCG) in your body. If you’re pregnant, the amount of HCG in your body rises rapidly in the early days and weeks, and a home pregnancy test can detect this in your urine. But this does not happen within 72 hours after sex.

Question 19

In which situations should I consider taking Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

You might seek emergency contraception (EC) to reduce the likelihood of becoming pregnant after unprotected or inadequately protected sexual intercourse, such as:

Engaging in sexual activity without the use of any birth control method.
Having sexual intercourse when a chosen birth control method failed (such as a condom breaking) or was used incorrectly (like missing several birth control pills).
Using a less effective form of contraception, such as a barrier method.
Engaging in sexual activity during fertile days as determined by your menstrual cycle, often tracked using calendars or period-tracking apps.

Question 20

How soon should I take Escapelle/Postinor after unprotected sex?

Accepted Answer

If you had unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure, take Escapelle/Postinor as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours (3 days) of the incident. The faster you take it, the more effective it'll be at preventing pregnancy.

Question 21

How should I take Postinor ODT mouth dissolving tablet?

Accepted Answer

You just simply place it on your tongue. Do not chew it. After the tablet completely disintegrates on the tongue (within 1-2 minutes), the ingredients can be easily swallowed with saliva, sending them into the stomach.

Question 22

How do I take Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

Escapelle/Postinor traditional pill is to be placed in your mouth and swallowed, preferably with water. You can take it either with or without food. The most important thing is that it must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to help prevent pregnancy before it starts. The sooner you take it, the better it works.

Question 23

What if I vomit after taking Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking the Escapelle/Postinor traditional or ODT tablet, another tablet should be taken immediately.

Question 24

When is it not recommended to use Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

Do not take Escapelle/Postinor:

If you are already pregnant, because this pill is meant to prevent pregnancy, not terminate it.
If you are allergic to the active substance (levonorgestrel) or any of the ingredients in Escapelle/Postinor.
As a replacement for regular birth control. Emergency contraception is meant for occasional use and should not replace your regular contraceptive method.
Before your first menstrual period (in prepubertal age).
After menopause.
If you have severe hepatic dysfunction.
If you have severe malabsorption syndromes, such as Crohn's disease, as it may reduce its effectiveness.
If you are male.
If you have used any of the following medicines in the last 4 weeks, because these drugs can reduce the effectiveness of levonorgestrel.
If you are using ciclosporin therapy (an immunosuppressant medication), because levonorgestrel can interfere with how your body processes ciclosporin.
If you are taking these medicines, please consult your doctor.

Question 25

Are there any medicinal products that might affect the efficacy of Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

There are certain medications that could decrease the effectiveness of Escapelle/Postinor.
So if you have used any of the following medicines in the last 4 weeks, Escapelle/Postinor may be less suitable for you.

barbiturates and other medicines used to treat epilepsy (for example, primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine);
medicines used to treat tuberculosis (TB) (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin);
medicines to treat HIV (e.g. ritonavir, efavirenz);
some antifungal preparations (griseofulvin);
herbal preparations containing St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum).

Contact your healthcare professional if you have any concerns or are taking any of these medications.

Question 26

What can I expect to feel after taking Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

After taking Escapelle/Postinor, you might experience a mix of emotions and physical sensations. Emotionally, you might feel relief (and a sense of reassurance), knowing you have taken steps to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Physically, you might feel a little nauseous or experience some spotting or irregular bleeding. These symptoms are totally "normal" to experience and can last for a few days. While they last, it is important for you to take it easy, stay hydrated and be good to yourself.

Question 27

How do I know Escapelle/Postinor has worked?

Accepted Answer

After taking Escapelle/Postinor, there are a few signs to look out for. Firstly, if you experience any side effects like nausea or changes in your menstrual cycle, it means that the pill is doing its job. Secondly, if you get your period around the expected time, it is a good sign that it worked. However, keep in mind that the pill can sometimes mess with your cycle, so do not panic if it is a bit off. If you are still worried, taking a pregnancy test after a couple of weeks can give you a clearer answer. Remember, it is always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional who can provide you with the best advice and support. You're not alone in this!

Question 28

If I have unprotected sex again after taking Escapelle/Postinor, am I still covered until the next period?

Accepted Answer

Good question, but it is important to know that Escapelle/Postinor does not give ongoing, long-term protection against pregnancy. After taking it, it only helps prevent pregnancy for that one instance of unprotected sex. If you have unprotected sex again, the pill will not continue to protect you until your next period. To stay protected, it is important to use contraception every time you have sex. There are different options available, like condoms or birth control pills, which can provide more reliable and ongoing protection against pregnancy.

Question 29

How often can I take Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to Escapelle/Postinor, it is not something you should take more than once in the same menstrual cycle. It is like an emergency backup plan after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, not your regular go-to for birth control. Using it too frequently can mess with your hormonal balance and lead to side effects. You deserve effective and safe contraception for regular use, so see your options here.

Question 30

Why should I use Escapelle/Postinor only in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Escapelle/Postinor is an emergency contraception method, designed for those "oh no!" moments when you've had unprotected sex or your regular birth control fails. It's not meant to be your everyday go-to method for preventing pregnancy. The reason for that is using it too often can mess with your body's hormonal balance and lead to side effects. It's super important to have a reliable and regular form of birth control for ongoing protection. That way, you can enjoy worry-free intimacy without relying solely on emergency options.

Question 31

Can I continue taking my regular contraceptive pill after using Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

If you are already taking a regular contraceptive pill, it is totally fine to keep taking it even after using Escapelle/Postinor. Actually, it is a good idea to stick with your regular pill schedule, even if you had to use the emergency one. Think of Escapelle/Postinor as an extra safety net, for when something unexpected happens. Your regular pill will keep protecting you against pregnancy, and using them together will not cause any problems. The important thing is to be consistent with your regular pill, so keep taking it as you always do.

Question 32

What are the possible side-effects of Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

When using Escapelle/Postinor, there are some possible side effects you should be aware of. Some women may experience nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headaches, breast tenderness, dizziness, or vomiting after taking it. Don't be surprised if you notice changes in your period, such as irregular bleeding or spotting; this is entirely normal. While bleeding patterns may be temporarily disrupted, most women will have their next menstrual period within 5 days of the expected time (up to 5 days earlier or up to 5 days later). If your next menstrual period is more than 5 days overdue, please consult your gynaecologist.

Question 33

What should I do if I vomit after taking Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

If you vomit within three hours of taking Escapelle/Postinor, it might affect how well it works. If this happens, it is recommended to take another Escapelle/Postinor as soon as you can. However, if you keep throwing up or cannot keep the pill down, it is important to ask for help. Talk to a healthcare professional who can guide you on what to do next, such as taking another form of emergency contraception.

Question 34

When do I absolutely need to consult a doctor after taking Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

After taking Escapelle, there are a few situations when it is really important to talk to a doctor. If you experience severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting within a few hours after taking the pill, it is crucial to turn to a healthcare professional. Also, if you do not get your period within three weeks after taking Escapelle or if your period is unusually heavy or lasts longer than usual, it is a good idea to see a doctor. They can guide you on what to do to ensure your well-being.

Question 35

Can Escapelle/Postinor disrupt my cycle?

Accepted Answer

After taking Escapelle/Postinor, it is totally normal for your menstrual cycle to go a little wonky. You might notice changes like your period coming too early, a bit late or having some irregular spotting between periods. Do not stress out at all! It happens because the pill has hormones (similar to the hormone progesterone that is naturally produced in the body) that can mess with your usual cycle. But here is the good news: these changes are usually temporary and things should go back to normal within a few cycles.

Question 36

Will Escapelle/Postinor affect my future fertility?

Accepted Answer

Escapelle/Postinor does not have a lasting impact on your future fertility (your ability to conceive a child in the future). Once the medication has cleared from the body, usually within a few days to a week, your menstrual cycle should return to its regular pattern. So, drugs used for emergency contraception do not harm future fertility 4, and there is no delay in the return to fertility after taking ECPs.

Question 37

How long is the expiry date of Escapelle/Postinor?

Accepted Answer

Escapelle has an expiration date of 5 years so it can be used during that time when you need it. Postinor ODT has a shelf life of 3 years, so remember to use it only within that time. It is really important to check the expiration date of these emergency contraceptives to make sure they work effectively. If the expiration date has passed, it is best to get a new supply.

Question 38

What is the opinion of WHO on levonorgestrel emergency contraception?

Accepted Answer

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed support for the use of levonorgestrel emergency contraception as a safe and effective method of preventing unintended pregnancies when used within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. 8

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