1. Pre-service Education on FP and AYSRH
Session II, Topic 4 Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs)

2. What are ECPs?
ECPs are hormonal methods of contraception that can reduce the risk pregnancy following an unprotected act of sexual intercourse.
There are different types of ECPs. In this training, we will be focusing on the levonorgestrel-only (LNG) and ulipristal acetate
(UPA) ECPs.
Ask participants to first come up with a definition for ECPs. Write one consolidated version of their definitions on the flip chart and then show the definition on the slide.
Explain that ECPs provide An important back-up in cases of unprotected intercourse, rape or contraceptive accidents such as forgotten pills or condoms.

3. ECPs: Mechanism of action
ECPs interfere
with the process
of ovulation
ECPs do not inhibit implantation of a fertilized egg.
ECPs do not cause abortion of an existing pregnancy
do not cause aboECPs do not inhibit implantation of a fertilized egg.
rtion of an existing pregnancy
Illustration credit: Salim Khalaf/FHI
Ask participants to brainstorm how ECPs work (mechanism of action). Write their responses on the flip chart and then show the slide
Explain that there are several kinds of ECPs. During this training, we will focus on the levonorgestrel (LNG) ECP.
Research studies have shown that LNG ECPs prevent or delay ovulation. If they are taken before ovulation, LNG ECPs inhibit the pre-ovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, which impedes follicular development and/or the release of the egg itself.
ECPs do not inhibit implantation of a fertilized egg
ECPs do not cause an abortion of an existing pregnancy. If ECPs are taken after a pregnancy is established, they will not work.

4. Effectiveness of ECPs
If 100 women each had sex once during the 2nd or 3rd week of the menstrual cycle without using contraception, 8 would likely become pregnant.
If all 100 women used uliprital acetate ECPs, less than one would likely become pregnant.
If all 100 women used progestin (LNG)-only ECPs, one would likely become pregnant.
Effectiveness depends on where a woman is in her menstrual cycle, when she had unprotected sex and when she used ECPs.
Some types of ECP such as ulipristal acetate (UPA) or mifepristone are more effective than LNG-only ECPs and some (regular contraceptives- the Yuzpe regimen) less effective.
Effectiveness may be affected by use of certain medications.
Evidence suggests that ECPs may be less effective in women with higher weight and/or BMI. UPA seems to be more effective in these women than LNG.
Explain that:
The effectiveness of ECPs depends on the type of ECP used and when they are taken. It takes about 6 days after ovulation for a fertilized egg to begin to implant. Pregnancy is established after implantation has been achieved. Therefore, intervention within 72 hours or up to 5 days cannot result in abortion. Treatment should begin as soon as possible after unprotected sex because the efficacy declines with time. LNG ECPs appear to be effective for at least 4 days after sex and potentially up to 5 days. (although the label for LNG ECPs says that it is effective for up to 72 hours, or 3 days, it was written before evidence showed that it might work for longer).
Some, but not all studies have found that LNG ECPs may be more effective the sooner they are taken after sex.
No specific data are available about interactions of ECPs with other drugs. However, it is reasonable to assume that drug interactions with LNG ECPs may be similar to those with regular contraceptive pills. Efficacy could be affected by rifampicin, griseofulvin, Saint John’s wort, certain anticonvulsant drugs and certain antiretroviral drugs such as ritonavir.

5. Last Day of Menstruation Positive Pregnancy Test1
First Day of Cycle
Last Day of Menstruation
Ovulation Starts
Fertilization
Implantation
Positive Pregnancy Test
EC pills work
before fertilization
EC pills have no effect
after fertilization,
do not cause abortion
Effectiveness for an individual woman depends on where she is in her menstrual cycle. An important factor is when ECPs are given within a woman’s menstrual cycle and whether or not fertilization has occurred. We can see from slide 9 that LNG ECPs work before fertilization has occurred, but not after. This also helps us understand why LNG ECPs do not cause an abortion. They do not work once fertilization has occurred.

6. Side effects of ECPs
LNG and UPA ECPs are well tolerated and leave the body within a few days. Some women experience mild and short-term side effects. These may include:
Changes in bleeding patterns including:
Slight irregular bleeding for 1–2 days after taking ECPs
Monthly bleeding that starts earlier or later than expected
In the week after taking ECPs :
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Headaches
Breast tenderness
Dizziness
Vomiting
Explain that LNG ECPs are well tolerated and leave the body within a few days. Some women experience mild and short-term side effects. Although side effects may be medically minor, they may be troublesome to some women. Use the slide to list possible side effects.
Altered vaginal bleeding patterns- Most women have their next menstrual period within 7 days of the usual time they would normally expect it following the use of ECPs. Menstruation has been reported to occur an average of 1 day earlier than expected following the LNG regimen.
Nausea and vomiting- Nausea, rarely accompanied by vomiting, occurs in less than 20% of women. These symptoms are uncommon enough that prophylactic administration of an antiemetic drug is not needed. If vomiting occurs within 2 hours after taking an ECP dose, some experts recommend a repeat ECP dose can be given vaginally. The other side effects (headache, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, dizziness, fatigue) usually do not occur for more than a few days after treatment and generally resolve within 24 hours.

7. Safety of ECPs ECPs have no known serious complications.
ECPs do not cause abortion
They are safe for use by
all women including adolescents.
ECPs are not harmful if taken by
a woman who is already pregnant.
ECPs have been widely used in various formulations for over 30 years.
Ask participants <Do you think ECPs are safe?>
Explain that ECPs are extraordinarily safe. No deaths or serious complications have ever been linked to any ECP regimen. ECPs do not appear to be harmful if accidentally taken once a woman is already pregnant.
While estrogens contained in many contraceptive pills are associated with some (very low) of stroke and venous thromboembolism, especially in women over 35 who smoke, no such risks are associated with LNG ECPs because they do not contain estrogen. Research shows no association with increased risk of cancer. LNGs do not increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. The use of ECPs have no effect on future fertility. LNG ECPs do not harm a developing fetus if they are mistakenly taken early in pregnancy and do not interrupt an established pregnancy. No risk of serious harm for moderate repeat use of ECPs appears to exist, and repeated use of ECPs is safer than pregnancy. The safety of ECPs does not change with age; therefore, they carry no added risks for those younger than 17 years.

8. No contraindications to the use of ECPs
ECPs have no medical
precautions or contraindications.
No pregnancy test or physical
examination is needed
ECPs should not be taken if a woman is pregnant because they will not work. However they will not harm an existing pregnancy
ECP effectiveness may be affected by use of certain medications
Ask participants <Are there health conditions that would prevent you from providing ECPs to a woman?>
Explain that according to the World Health Organization (WHO) there are no contraindications for ECPs because the amount of hormone is too small to have a clinically significant impact and the duration of use is very short. In addition, these ECPs do not contain estrogen, which is associated with some contraindications, particularly over long-term use. The WHO states that ECPs have no clinically significant impact on conditions such as cardiovascular disease, angina, acute focal migraine, or severe liver disease.
Emphasize that there are no health conditions that would prevent you from giving ECPs. No pregnancy test or physical examination is needed before giving ECPs. Emphasize that ECPs should not be taken if a woman is pregnant because they will not work.
The use of certain drugs such as rifampicin, griseofulvin, Saint John’s Wort, certain anticonvulsant drugs and certain antiretroviral drugs (ritonavir) may affect the effectiveness of ECPs.

9. ECP regimens UPA should be given as a single, 30 mg dose
Two LNG regimens are packaged and labeled specifically for emergency contraception
1 tablet levonorgestrel (LNG), 1.5 mg or
2 tablets of 0.75 mg LNG to be taken at the same time.
Explain that during this training we are focused on the levonorgestrel ECP and ulipristal acetate ECP, but there are also other types of ECPs, with different regimens.
LNG and UPA ECPs appear to be effective up to 5 days (120 hours). They appear to be more effective the sooner it is taken after an act of unprotected sex.
LNG and UPA ECP Regimens
levonorgestrel (LNG), 1 tablet 1.5 mg
levonorgestrel (LNG), 2 tablets of 0.75 mg LNG to taken together
Ulipristal acetate, 30 mg in a single dose

10. Other emergency contraceptive options
Other types of emergency contraceptives include:
Mifepristone, mg in a single dose (not widely available)
Combined hormonal contraceptive pills (both estrogen and progestin- Yuzpe regimen)
Copper IUD
Explain the other options for emergency contraception include:
Ulipristal acetate, 30 mg in a single dose
Mifepristone, mg in a single dose (not widely available)
Combined hormonal contraceptive pills (Yuzpe regimen). Combination Oral Contraceptive Pills (COCs), taken in higher-than usual- amounts can be used as ECPs, when a dedicated product, packaged as ECP is not available. The number of pills to be taken depends on the brand of COCs. one dose of 100 mcg ethinyl estradiol plus 0.5 mg levonorgestrel is followed by a second identical dose 12 hours later.
Explain that the insertion of a copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception, but this training focuses on LNG ECPs.

11. Indications for use of ECPs
A couple recently had sex without using contraception.
A condom broke or slipped.
A woman using oral contraceptive pills missed three or more pills or started later in the month than instructed.
A woman using contraceptive injections was late for her next shot.
A woman experienced an IUD expulsion or could not locate the IUD string.
Ask participants <When might the use of ECPs be indicated?>
List their responses on a flip chart and then compare their list to the one on this slide and the next one.
Explain that we will be discussing more about why ECPs might be needed when we do roleplays later during the training. But, overall, ECPs are indicated when:
No contraceptive was used (including cases of rape)
A contraceptive was used incorrectly
A contraceptive was used correctly, but was immediately observed to have failed (such as condom slippage or breakage).

12. Indications for use of ECPs (continued)
Sex was forced (rape).
Failed coitus interruptus (e.g., ejaculation in vagina or on external genitalia).
Miscalculation of the periodic abstinence method or failure to abstain on a fertile day of the cycle.
Failure of a spermicide tablet or film to melt before intercourse.
Diaphragm or cap dislodgment, breakage, tearing, or early removal.

13. Screening clients for ECP use
The most important screening question for ECP use is:
Did you have unprotected sex within the last 5 days (120 hours)?
If “yes” then the client is eligible for ECPs. Effectiveness will be lower the longer a woman waits to take ECPs.
Explain that it is important to understand that there are no medical restrictions to the use of ECPs except for pregnancy. But, there are certain questions that you should ask to be sure that a client needs ECPs.
Ask participants <What key screening questions should a woman be asked when providing her with ECPs for recent unprotected intercourse?> <How can the pharmacist reassure the client and make her feel comfortable?>
List their responses on a flip chart. Show this slide and the next slide to reinforce or correct their answers.
Distribute Handout #1: Screening Checklist and review it with participants.

14. Screening questions for ECP use
You can also ask questions to determine if the woman is pregnant. ECPs will not work if she is pregnant.
Was your last menstrual period less than 4 weeks ago? If “No,” the client may be pregnant.
Was this period normal for you in both its length and timing? If “No,” the client may be pregnant.
Is there reason to believe you may be pregnant? If “Yes,” the client may be pregnant.
If the client is not pregnant, ECPs may be given.
If the client’s pregnancy status is unclear, ECPs may still be given, with the explanation that the method will not work if she is already pregnant.
You can also ask about other drugs the woman is taking:
Are you taking the any of these drugs: rifampicin, griseofulvin, Saint John’s Wort, anticonvulsant drugs or ritonavir?
ECPs may be less effective if you are taking any of these medications. But ECPs should still be given, as there are no contraindications to ECPs.

15. ECP information for the client should include:
How to use ECPs
ECP information for the
client should include:
How and when to take the pills.
What to expect once the pills are taken. Including possible side effects and what the woman should do.
Effectiveness/failure rates.
Importance of using regular contraception.
Ask participants <What points are important when counseling women on how to use ECPs>
Write responses on a flip chart
Explain that there are a number of key points to cover when counseling a client about how to use ECPs.
Make certain that the client does not want to become pregnant, but that she understands that there is still a chance of pregnancy even after treatment with ECPs. Explain that ECPs will not harm the fetus should they fail to prevent pregnancy.
Explain how to take ECPs correctly.
1. The woman should swallow the ECP as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Encourage the woman to take the ECP while she is still with you, before leaving the treatment room or facility.
A WHO-led study in 10 countries established that a single dose of 1.5 mg LNG is as effective as two doses of 0.75 mg. Some providers give 2 tablets of 0.75mg at the same time. Labels on some 2-dose ECP packages suggest that the woman should take the second dose 12 hours after the first dose. However, these labels do not reflect current scientific information.
2. Advise the client not to take any extra ECPs, as these will likely increase the possibility of nausea or vomiting, but will not increase effectiveness.
3. Describe common side effects.
4. Explain that the dosage needs to be repeated if the client vomits within 2-3 hours of taking ECPs.
Make sure that the client understands that ECPs will not protect her from pregnancy if she engages in unprotected intercourse in the days or weeks following treatment. Advise the client to use a barrier method, such as the condom, for the remainder of her cycle. A different contraceptive method may be initiated at the beginning of her next cycle if desired. For some women, initiating or continuing combined oral contraceptives (COCs) or progestin-only injectables the day after using ECPs may be an option, as long as you are fairly sure that she is not pregnant
5, Explain that ECPs typically do not cause the client's menses to come immediately. The client should understand that her period might come a few days earlier or later than normal. Explain that if her period is more than a week late, she may be pregnant. She should seek evaluation and care for possible pregnancy.
6. Advise the client to come back or visit a referral clinic (as appropriate):
If there is a delay in her menstruation of more than one week past the expected date.
If she has any reason for concern.
As soon as possible after the onset of the menstrual period for contraceptive counseling, if desired.
7. Use simple written or pictorial instructions to help reinforce important messages about correct use of ECPs.

16. Possible side effects of ECPs
Some women experience:
Changes in bleeding patterns (not serious and will
resolve without treatment)
Slight irregular bleeding for 1-2 days or
Monthly bleeding that starts earlier or later than
expected
Within the week after taking ECPs (these side effects are
not serious, require no treatment and usually resolve within 24 hours)
Nausea
Vomiting (rare with LNG-only ECPs)
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Headaches or dizziness
Explain that when clients are given ECPs, they need to know what to expect. Explain to your client that:
Nausea, rarely accompanied by vomiting, occurs in less than 20% of women using LNG ECPs.
Some women may feel dizzy or have headaches, abdominal pain, fatigue or breast tenderness. These side effects are not serious and usually do not occur more than a few days after treatment and usually stop within 24 hours. If she becomes pregnant before or after using ECPs, the pregnancy will not be harmed in any way. ECPs will not cause an abortion or birth defects.
Most women have their next menses up to a week early or late. Some women have irregular bleeding or spotting after taking ECPs. Changes in bleeding patterns are not dangerous and will resolve without treatment. If your menses is more than one week later than you expect it, you may be pregnant. You should have a pregnancy test and appropriate care.
See Session Plan for Roleplays

17. Need continuing protection?
Ask your client:
Could unprotected intercourse happen again?
Do you need dual protection from pregnancy and STIs/HIV/AIDS?
Can you always choose when you have sex?
Have you been using an regular method of contraception? Are you satisfied with it?
Following ECP use, clients will need continuing protection against pregnancy and may need protection against STIs and possibly sexual abuse.

18. Follow up and referral for clients
If the client reports no menses within 4 weeks of ECP use, she may be pregnant.
Invite client to tell her story, including the number of sex partners. If her story suggests STI exposure, refer for treatment. Discuss use of condoms if appropriate.
If at risk for STIs, discuss dual protection from pregnancy AND from STIs/HIV/AIDS
If story suggests coercion or violence, provide more help if possible.
Can start another method right away. If client chooses no regular method now, offer ECPs and male or female condoms with instructions for use.
Contraceptive use should never be made a condition for ECP use.
Ask participants <In what instances would it be important to
follow up with a client after ECP provision?> <In what instances would it be good to refer a client?>
• If the client reports no menses within 4 weeks of ECP use, she may be pregnant. It is normal for a woman’s menses to begin a few days earlier or later than usual after taking
ECPs. If a woman does not have a period within 4 weeks, discuss her next options.
• A client should be encouraged to return if he/she has concerns or problems.
• Assessing STI risk and referring the client for diagnosis and/or treatment is a critical part of EC services. If at risk for STIs, discuss dual protection from pregnancy and from STIs/HIV/AIDS
• Women who have been forced to have sex or have been sexually assaulted and/or raped may seek advice or services. Seeking health services may be a stressful experience after the trauma of a sexual assault. Be supportive and sensitive to the emotional turmoil that women in this situation may be experiencing. Women who have been sexually assaulted are also in need of diagnosis and possible treatment for STIs and should be offered referral for a comprehensive evaluation and possible prophylactic STI treatment.

19. When to begin a regular method of contraception following LNG ECPs
Condom COCs Progestin-only injectable Monthly injectable Implants IUD
Immediately The day after taking ECPs or wait until next menstrual bleeding The same day as the ECPs or within the first 7 days after the start of her next menstruation The same day as the ECPs, but needs back-up method for first 7 days Same day as ECPs or after menstruation has returned, but needs condoms or COCs until then Can be used for emergency contraception, or on the same day if taking ECPs or within the first 7 days after the start of her next menstruation
Explain that whenever possible, clients requesting ECPs should also be offered information and services for regular contraceptives. But, not all clients want contraceptive counseling at the time of ECP treatment. Contraceptive use should never be made a condition for ECP use. Clients who are interested in learning about other methods should receive information and counseling at the time of the ECP visit, at a follow-up appointment scheduled at a more convenient time, or should be referred to a FP clinic if other FP methods are not available (i.e., pharmacies, etc.). If the reason for requesting ECPs is that a regular contraceptive method was not used, or was used incorrectly, discuss how it can be used consistently and correctly in the future. Women should be provided at least a temporary method, such as condoms, whenever possible, to use in the immediate future.
Show slides 19, 20 and 21 and discuss when it is appropriate to start each method for both new contraceptive users and continuing users.

20. When to begin a regular method of contraception following UPA ECPs
Condom COCs Progestin-only injectable Monthly injectable Implants IUD All women need to abstain or use a backup method* from the time they take UPA-ECPs until they have been using a hormonal method for 7 days (or 2 days for progestin-only pills).
Immediately On the 6th day after taking UPA ECPs Can be used for emergency contraception, or on the same day if taking ECPs

21. Resuming contraception after ECP use
Contraceptive
How to resume the method
Condoms COCs Progestin-only injectable Implant and IUD
Use a condom for every sexual encounter Use a condom for the first 7 days. Resume taking COCs as before or continue using condoms until menstruation, then begin a new pack. Use condoms until next menstruation and then begin progestin-only injectable. Need for ECP rare, but If implant or IUD is past expiration and ECP is needed, use a condom until next menstruation. Have a new implant or IUD inserted within first 7 days of menstruation. .