Progestin for Emergency Contraception

Side effects may include the following:

• Nausea or vomiting. If you get nauseous, nonprescription antinausea medicines, such as Dramamine or Pepto-Bismol, can prevent or reduce nausea.
  • Caution: If you vomit within 2 hours of taking a dose, call your doctor for advice. You may need to repeat the dose.
• Pregnancy is possible after using emergency contraception. Although your next period may be slightly late, a delay of 3 weeks or longer may be a sign of pregnancy. If this happens, call your doctor to see whether you need a pregnancy test.
• Breast tenderness, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, and/or dizziness are possible after taking emergency contraception.

Call your doctor if side effects, such as headache, dizziness, or belly pain, continue for longer than 1 week after using emergency contraception.

See your doctor if you do not have your period within 21 days after using emergency contraception.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.