Can i use sprintec as emergency contraceptive?
Patient: so, i had unprotected sex two days ago. i can't find a place that sells plan b over the counter. i didn't miss my birth control pill. i'm just really paranoid. i don't want or need a kid right now. i'm just wondering if i could use sprintec as emergency contraception? Doctor: Hallow Dear,Sprintec is a combination of female hormones norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. It is oral contraceptive pill. Sprintec pack is of 28 pills. First 21 pills contain active pills; i.e. pills containg norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol while the last 7 tablets are non-hormonal reminder pills. They are provided so that women do not loose the habit of taking pills and continues to take the pills. Usually during these reminder pills, the menstruation starts. So complete these reminder pills and then go to next pack. Each pack should be started from day 1 of the pill.  Every day one pill is to be taken, preferably at the same timing every day so that the period between 2 pills is maintained by 24 hours. Generally it is a practice to take the pills after dinner. If any pill is missed, it should be taken next morning, in addition to the These pills are regular birth control pills. However, if double dose is taken , it can give you protection from pregnancy. Ideally, Plan B pills like Postinor 2 are good emergency contraceptive pills. They should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. After these pills, there may be some bleeding after few days and the menses may be delayed by few days to a week. It is due to the effect of the hormones. I hope this helps you. Dr. Nishikant Shrotri