Product Comparisons

Most emergency contraception comparisons revolve around two products: levonorgestrel 1.5mg (sold in the Philippines as Postinor) and ulipristal acetate 30mg (sold as Mifestad). Both are oral emergency contraception. They are not the same as regular hormonal birth control pills, and they are not an abortion pill — they prevent pregnancy from establishing by delaying or blocking ovulation.

The difference between the two products comes down to effectiveness curves and access. Postinor is available over-the-counter at a lower price (₱559 at Ruth Health). It is highly effective for up to 72 hours, with the strongest performance in the first 24 hours. Mifestad requires a prescription, costs ₱959, and maintains stronger effectiveness across the full 120-hour window, making it the better choice when more time has passed or when delivery may take several days.

Comparing the morning-after pill against regular birth control pills, the morning-after pill is for one-time use after a specific event, while regular birth control pills are a daily preventive method designed for ongoing use. They are not interchangeable: the morning-after pill does not replace a missed birth control pill long-term, and a single regular birth control pill is not strong enough to function as emergency contraception.

Same-day delivery versus pharmacy pickup is another decision that can come up in Metro Manila. Same-day courier delivery is usually fastest for someone who would otherwise have to travel across the city, and it removes the privacy concerns of a pharmacy interaction. Pharmacy pickup can be preferable when someone is already near a stocked pharmacy or wants to handle the entire process anonymously in one visit.

A useful comparison should answer four practical questions: which product is most effective for the patient's specific timing, which one is most accessible given location and access needs, what the cost and prescription requirements look like, and what to expect after taking the medication. Each of the comparison guides in this section is structured around those questions, with concrete numbers rather than vague generalizations.

Comparisons should also acknowledge edge cases where the standard recommendation may shift. Higher body weight, certain medications (especially enzyme-inducing drugs like rifampicin or some anti-epileptics), and breastfeeding can change which product is most appropriate. These factors are covered in individual guides so the choice fits the real patient situation, not a generic profile.

Finally, a comparison shouldn't be a sales pitch. The intent of this collection is to help you confidently choose the right option for your circumstances — whether that's ordering through Ruth Health, picking up at a pharmacy, or consulting with a clinician first. The goal is a confident decision, not a specific purchase.