Gedeon Richter Plc. Publishes Patient Information for Postinor Emergency Contraceptive

Hungarian pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter Plc. has issued expanded patient information for its emergency contraceptive pill, Postinor®. The active substance in the preparation is levonorgestrel.

Postinor® is indicated for use as emergency contraception within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse or in cases of contraceptive failure. The primary mechanism of action is the inhibition or delay of ovulation.

The company's guidance emphasizes that the medication should be used only in emergency situations and does not replace regular contraception. It is crucial to initiate emergency contraception as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours of unprotected intercourse, as its effectiveness diminishes over time. The preparation should not be used if pregnancy has already begun.

Patients are advised to read the entire package insert thoroughly before use. The instructions also mention contraindications, such as allergies to levonorgestrel or other components, being under 16 years of age, severe liver disease, and breastfeeding during a period when the drug concentration in the body is still significant. Special caution is advised for individuals with liver or biliary tract diseases, gastrointestinal malabsorption (e.g., Crohn's disease), a history of ectopic pregnancy, or a predisposition to blood clots.

Repeated use within the same menstrual cycle is not recommended due to the potential risk of cycle disturbances. If menstruation is delayed by more than 5 days, or if unusual bleeding occurs, pregnancy should be ruled out. If pregnancy occurs despite using emergency contraception, the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy should be considered.