The Side Effects of Postinor
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Jane Peterson Jane Peterson has been a professional freelance writer since 2006. She enjoys covering subjects such as personal health, diet, women's health, pets, alternative medicine and green living. Peterson graduated from the University of Florida in 2003, earning a bachelor's degree in science.
By Jane Peterson, eHow Contributor
Postinor side effects are generally short termed and mild. Repeated use of Postinor can increase the severity of these side effects or lead to changes in a woman's menstrual cycle; Postinor should only be used in instances when contraception methods failed or when unprotected sex occurred. This pill should not be used as a long term method of contraception.
- Identification
- Postinor is a brand name form of emergency contraception also known as the morning after pill. Postinor either comes in a single dose oral pill form or a two dose oral pill form; both types of Postinor contain a synthetic progestogen hormone named Levonorgestrel.
Common Side Effects
- The most common side effects of Postinor are nausea and vomiting. If women do vomit shortly after they take their Postinor pill they must take another Postinor pill and obtain another replacement pill from their pharmacist or through an over-the-counter purchase. Nausea side effects generally go away a few hours after the pill is taken.
Additional Side Effects
- Postinor may also cause side effects which include: tender or sore breasts, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, and dizziness. These side effects do not normally last more than a few days after the Postinor pills are taken.
Postinor Effects on the Menstrual Cycle
- Emergency contraception may cause side effects on a woman's normal menstrual cycle. These effects include: a period which is a few days early or a few days late, light spotting until the next period occurs, and a period that is lighter than normal. The side effects of Postinor on a woman's menstrual cycle increases if she uses Postinor multiple times during one menstrual cycle time frame.
Reactions with Medications
- Postinor may react with some types of prescription medications which include: barbiturates, prescription epileptic medications, anti-fungal medications, cyclosporin and ritonavir (a medication used for HIV treatment). An over-the-counter herbal supplement, St. John's Wort, may also react with Postinor. Reactions between Postinor and other medications or supplements may reduce Postinor's ability to function properly as an emergency contraceptive.
Warning
- Women who experience any extreme side effects such as repeated vomiting, heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe dizziness or unusually heavy or painful periods should contact their physician immediately. Women must also consult with their physician if any side effects of Postinor seem to last more than a few days or become worse over time.
Postinor contains an ingredient, lactose, which has been known to cause allergies in some people. If you are allergic to milk or dairy products, you should not use Postinor.