Postinor
A brand name emergency contraception pill containing levonorgestrel 1.5mg, effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
Detailed Explanation
Postinor is one of the most widely available emergency contraception brands worldwide. It contains 1.5mg of levonorgestrel and is taken as a single pill in one dose. It is most effective when taken within 24 hours (95% effective) with decreasing effectiveness up to 72 hours (58% effective). It is available over-the-counter in many countries.
Why Postinor matters
Postinor sits inside the practical decision between emergency contraception options, timing windows, product availability, and whether a provider should review your situation before dispatch. In the Philippines, the two most common choices are levonorgestrel (Postinor) and ulipristal acetate (Mifestad), and each has a different effective window, price point, and prescription status.
For someone making an EC decision quickly, the most useful framing of Postinor is its connection to timing. Levonorgestrel reaches its highest effectiveness in the first 24 hours, while ulipristal acetate maintains strong effectiveness up to five days — so understanding the term helps clarify why the recommendation can shift from one product to the other depending on hours elapsed.
Beyond the active ingredient, the term also relates to brand availability, the difference between over-the-counter and prescription products, and the importance of confirming dosage with a clinician when factors like body weight, breastfeeding, or current medications come into play.
- Write down when unprotected sex or contraceptive failure happened.
- Pay attention to how many hours have passed, because emergency contraception works best as early as possible.
- Seek urgent medical care for severe one-sided pain, very heavy bleeding, fainting, or symptoms that feel unusual for you.
- Note how Postinor relates to your menstrual cycle, current medications, or any chronic condition that may need to be shared with a provider.
- Save the order receipt or product packaging in case a follow-up consultation needs to reference dosage or timing.
Using Postinor in your decision
When choosing between emergency contraception options, Postinor acts as a reference point for understanding the active ingredient, the effective window, and the dosing instructions you'll be expected to follow. Not every EC pill is interchangeable — dosage, prescription status, and price all differ.
In the Philippines, Postinor (levonorgestrel 1.5mg) is widely available over the counter and is most effective up to 72 hours, while Mifestad (ulipristal acetate 30mg) extends the effective window to 120 hours but typically requires a prescription. Understanding the specifics behind Postinor makes it easier to evaluate which product matches your timing and access constraints.
Putting it into practice
Context matters: two people with similar symptoms can face very different situations, depending on cycle day, medications, and access to follow-up care. When the term is relevant to your specific case, use it as a guide while filling out the intake form or while talking to a Ruth Health clinician.
Outcomes are better when all relevant information is shared — including time of unprotected sex, current medications, any allergies, and any prior EC use. All of this information is handled privately and is only used to confirm the right product, dosage, and follow-up plan.
If you are unsure how Postinor applies to your situation, ask during intake or through chat support. There are no wrong questions, and the goal is to make sure EC is used safely and effectively from the moment you order to the moment your next period arrives.
Questions to ask next
How does Postinor affect the timing or choice of emergency contraception?
Are there medicines, breastfeeding details, or health conditions a provider should know about?
When should a pregnancy test be taken if the next period is late after using EC?
How does Postinor factor into the comparison between Postinor and Mifestad for my situation?
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Postinor?
A brand name emergency contraception pill containing levonorgestrel 1.5mg, effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
How does Postinor work?
Postinor is one of the most widely available emergency contraception brands worldwide. It contains 1.
Sources
- FDA
- WHO
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