Table 1.
Overview of emergency contraception methods
| Levonorgestrel | Ulipristal | Copper IUD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time frame | As per package labeling for up to 72 hours, but off-label up to 120 hours | Up to 120 hours | Up to 120 hours |
| Dose | 1.5 mg | 30 mg | 380 mm2 |
| Effectivenessa | 89% | 94% | 99% |
| Adverse effects (>10%) | Nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, menstrual bleeding changes, dizziness, breast tenderness | Headache, abdominal pain, nausea | Bleeding, pain |
| Drug interactions | None | CYP3A4 inducers and progestin-containing contraceptives reduce effectiveness | None |
| Access | OTC or Rx | Rx only | Rx only, placed by trained clinician |
Notes:
a
Effectiveness results vary between studies. These values are approximate.
Abbreviations: IUD, intrauterine device; OTC, over-the-counter; Rx, prescription.