Aftera

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Last updated on RxList: 5/31/2022

Drug Summary

What Is Aftera?

Aftera (levonorgestrel tablet) is emergency contraception that helps prevent pregnancy after birth control failure or unprotected sex. It is a backup method of preventing pregnancy and should not be used as regular birth control.

What Are Side Effects of Aftera?

Common side effects of Aftera include:

  • changes in menstrual periods (heavier or lighter, early or late),
  • nausea,
  • lower abdominal pain,
  • tiredness,
  • headache,
  • dizziness, and
  • breast tenderness

Dosage for Aftera

Take one Aftera as soon as possible within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. The sooner you take it the better it will work. If you vomit within 2 hours after taking the medication, call a healthcare professional to find out if you should repeat the dose.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Aftera?

Aftera may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Aftera During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Aftera; Aftera will not work if you are already pregnant and will not affect an existing pregnancy. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Additional Information

Our Aftera (levonorgestrel tablet) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Description for Aftera

Active ingredient

Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg

Purpose

Emergency contraceptive

Use

for women to reduce chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex (if a contraceptive failed or if you did not use birth control)

Uses for Aftera

Use for women to reduce chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex (if a contraceptive failed or if you did not use birth control).

Dosage for Aftera

Directions

  • take as soon as possible within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. The sooner you take it the better it will work.
  • if you vomit within 2 hours after taking the medication, call a healthcare professional to find out if you should repeat the dose

Other information

  • read the instructions, warnings and enclosed product leaflet before use
  • this product works mainly by preventing ovulation (egg release). It may also prevent fertilization of a released egg (joining of sperm and egg) or attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterus (implantation).
  • do not use if carton is open or tear strip is removed or blister seal is broken or missing.
  • store at 20-25°C (68-77°F)

Inactive ingredients

colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, potato starch, talc

Teva Women's Health, Inc. Revised: Oct 2017

Side Effects for Aftera

No information provided.

Drug Interactions for Aftera

No information provided.

Warnings for Aftera

Allergy alert: Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to levonorgestrel.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs ) alert: This product does not protect against HIV/AIDS or other STDs

Do not use

  • if you are already pregnant (because it will not work)
  • for regular birth control

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking efavirenz (HIV medication) or rifampin (tuberculosis treatment) or medication for seizures (epilepsy). These medications may reduce the effectiveness of levonorgestrel.

When using this product you may have

  • menstrual changes
  • nausea
  • lower stomach (abdominal) pain
  • tiredness
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • breast pain
  • vomiting

Keep out of reach of children.

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control center right away.

Precautions for Aftera

No information provided.

Overdose Information for Aftera

No information provided.

Contraindications for Aftera

No information provided.

Clinical Pharmacology for Aftera

No information provided.

Patient Information for Aftera

AFTERA
(levonorgestrel) Tablet

What is AFTERA ?

AFTERA is emergency contraception that helps prevent pregnancy after birth control failure or unprotected sex. It is a backup method of preventing pregnancy and should not be used as regular birth control.

What AFTERA is not.

AFTERA will not work if you are already pregnant and will not affect an existing pregnancy. AFTERA will not protect you from HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

When should I use AFTERA?

The sooner you take emergency contraception, the better it works. You should use AFTERA within 72 hours (3 days) after you have had unprotected sex.

AFTERA is a backup or emergency method of birth control you can use when:

  • your regular birth control was used incorrectly or failed
  • you did not use any birth control method

When not to use AFTERA.

AFTERA should not be used:

  • as a regular birth control method, because it’s not as effective as regular birth control.
  • if you are already pregnant, because it will not work.
  • if you are allergic to levonorgestrel or any other ingredients in AFTERA.

When should I talk to a doctor or pharmacist?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking efavirenz (HIV medication) or rifampin (tuberculosis treatment) or medication for seizures (epilepsy). These medications may reduce the effectiveness of AFTERA and increase your chance of becoming pregnant. Your doctor may prescribe another form of emergency contraception that may not be affected by these medications.

How does AFTERA work?

AFTERA is one tablet with levonorgestrel, a hormone that has been used in many birth control pills for several decades. AFTERA contains a higher dose of levonorgestrel than birth control pills, but works in a similar way to prevent pregnancy. It works mainly by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. It is possible that AFTERA may also work by preventing fertilization of an egg (the uniting of sperm with the egg) or by preventing attachment (implantation) to the uterus (womb).

How can I get the best results from AFTERA?

You have 72 hours (3 days) to try to prevent pregnancy after birth control failure or unprotected sex. The sooner you take AFTERA, the better it works.

How effective is AFTERA?

If AFTERA is taken as directed, it can significantly decrease the chance that you will get pregnant. About 7 out of every 8 women who would have gotten pregnant will not become pregnant.

How will I know AFTERA worked?

You will know AFTERA has been effective when you get your next period, which should come at the expected time, or within a week of the expected time. If your period is delayed beyond 1 week, it is possible you may be pregnant. You should get a pregnancy test and follow up with your healthcare professional.

Will I experience any side effects?

  • some women may have changes in their period, such as a period that is heavier or lighter or a period that is early or late. If your period is more than a week late, you may be pregnant.
  • if you have severe abdominal pain, you may have an ectopic pregnancy, and should get immediate medical attention.
  • when used as directed, AFTERA is safe and effective. Side effects may include changes in your period, nausea, lower stomach (abdominal) pain, tiredness, headache, dizziness, and breast tenderness.
  • if you vomit within 2 hours of taking the medication, call a healthcare professional to find out if you should repeat the dose.

What if I still have questions about AFTERA?

If you have questions or need more information, call our toll-free number, 1-866-626-6990.

Other Information

Keep out of reach of children:

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not use if the blister seal is opened.

Store at room temperature 20–25°C (68–77°F).

You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Active ingredient: levonorgestrel 1.5 mg

Inactive ingredients : colloidal silicon dioxide, potato starch, magnesium stearate, talc, corn starch, lactose monohydrate

Manufactured by: Teva Women’s Health, Inc. Revised: Sep 2017

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.