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UK Wedding News

16/09/2016

Warning Issued Over Contraceptive Pill

A warning has been issued to women who are taking an emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel and are being urged to check the ingredients of other medications they are taking as they could stop the pill from working.

The call comes after it was revealed that some medicines and remedies that contain St John's Wort can stop the emergency contraceptive pill working.

In a statement, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said the affected women should take a double dose of the contraceptive pill.

It added that women should tell their doctor, nurse or pharmacist if they are currently taking medicines to treat the following conditions – or have used one in the last four weeks – epilepsy, tuberculosis, HIV, fungal infections or any herbal remedies containing St John's Wort.

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It said women affected by the clash of ingredients in their medicines could use another type of emergency contraception, such as a coil, or take a double dose of the emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel. For the latter, pharmacists will give these women two packs which should be taken together at the same time.

A new information sheet has been published by the MHRA with further information.

Dr Sarah Branch, Deputy Director of MHRA's Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines Division, is quoted as saying: "Our new patient information sheet provides information on what types of medicines could interfere with how the emergency contraceptive works.

"It tells women what steps they need to take to ensure they receive the correct dose. The earlier that emergency contraception is taken after unprotected intercourse, the better it works."

(JP/LM)

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"A warning has been issued to women who are taking an emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel and are being urged to check the ingredients of other medications they are taking as they c