Aftera Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Aftera Tablet (levonorgestrel) is an emergency contraceptive used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. It belongs to the oral contraceptive progestin drug class and is meant as a backup method, not for regular use. It is taken as a single dose as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.

What is Aftera Tablet

Aftera is an emergency contraceptive tablet that helps prevent pregnancy after birth control failure or unprotected sex. It is a backup method of birth control and should not be used as a regular birth control method.

Aftera Tablet uses

• Unprotected sexual intercourse
• Condom breakage or slippage
• Missed contraceptive pills in situations requiring emergency contraception
• Contraceptive failure
• Emergency pregnancy prevention after sex without birth control

Benefits of Aftera Tablet

• Helps reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex.
• Provides emergency contraception after birth-control failure.
• Helps prevent pregnancy after a condom breaks.
• Offers a backup option when regular contraception fails.
• Can be taken as a single dose.

How Aftera Tablet works

Aftera works mainly by stopping the ovary from releasing an egg. It may also work by preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg or by preventing a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.

Aftera Tablet dosage

Take Aftera as soon as possible after unprotected sex; the sooner you take it, the better it works. It can be taken with or without food. If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the tablet, contact a healthcare professional to find out if you need to take another dose. Do not use if the carton is open, the tear strip is removed, or the blister seal is broken or missing.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet

Side effects of Aftera Tablet

Common

• Changes in menstrual periods (heavier or lighter, early or late)
• Nausea
• Lower abdominal pain
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Breast tenderness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Serious

• Severe lower abdominal or stomach pain, which could mean an ectopic pregnancy
• Heavy or light menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding that continues for more than 1 week after taking the medicine
• A period that is more than 1 week late

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use Aftera if you have ever had an allergic reaction to levonorgestrel.
• Aftera does not protect against HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.
• Do not use Aftera if you are already pregnant or as a regular method of birth control.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking efavirenz, rifampin, or medication for seizures, as these may make Aftera less effective.
• After using Aftera, your regular birth control pills or patch may not work as well; use a backup method such as a condom for the rest of that cycle.
• Do not take other medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, or vitamin supplements, unless you have discussed them with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant before using Aftera. Aftera will not work if you are already pregnant and will not affect an existing pregnancy.
• Talk with your doctor before using Aftera if you are breastfeeding.
• Take Aftera as soon as possible after unprotected sex, within 72 hours.
• It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• It does not end an existing pregnancy.
• If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking it, ask a healthcare professional whether another dose is needed.

Storage

• Store at room temperature, 20–25°C (68–77°F).
• Keep in the original packaging until use.
• Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiration date.

When to see a doctor

• Get medical help right away if you have severe lower abdominal or stomach pain 3 to 5 weeks after taking this medicine, as this could be a sign of a pregnancy outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy), which can be serious and life-threatening.
• Check with your doctor right away if spotting or bleeding after taking this medicine lasts more than a week.
• Check with your doctor right away for a pregnancy test if your next period is more than a week late.
• In case of overdose, get medical help or contact your local poison control center right away.

Alternatives

• Levonorgestrel
• Take Action
• Plan B One-Step