The safety of available and emerging options for emergency contraception. Issue 10 (3rd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Jessica K; Schwarz, Eleanor Bimla
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on drug safety. Volume 16:Issue 10(2017:Oct.)
• Page Start: 1163
• Page End: 1171
• Publication Date: 2017-10-03
• Subjects: Copper IUD -- emergency contraception safety -- ulipristal acetate -- levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill -- emergency contraception safety; Drugs -- Side effects -- Periodicals; Drugs -- Toxicology -- Periodicals; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.704
• DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2017.1354985
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-0338

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : Emergency contraception (EC) is a way to significantly reduce the chance of becoming pregnant after an episode of unprotected intercourse. Considerable data support the safety of all available and emerging options for EC. Areas covered : This review presents a comprehensive summary of the literature regarding the safety of EC as well as directions for further study. PubMed was searched for all relevant studies published prior to June 2017. Expertopinion : All available methods of EC (i.e., ulipristal acetate pills, levonorgestrel pills, and the copper-IUD), carry only mild side effects and serious adverse events are essentially unknown. The copper IUD has the highest efficacy of EC methods. Given the excellent safety profiles of mifepristone and the levonorgestrel IUD, research is ongoing related to use of these products for EC.