Postpill vs Postinor-2: Similarities and differences

 Key takeaways:

• Postpill and Postinor-2 are emergency contraceptive pills used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Both medications share common similarities in use and mode of action.
• The difference between Postpill and Postinor-2 lies mostly in the quantity of their active ingredients and the number of pills in each pack.
• Also, Postinor 2 and Postpill differ in their manufacturers and usage guidelines. However, they both prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation and are more effective when taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse.

There are different birth control pills on the market, and some people tend to be confused about which pill to use. For instance, Postpill and Postinor 2 are two commonly used emergency contraceptives that share some similarities and differences. People are often confused about which of them to use after unprotected sex.

This article will discuss Postinor-2 vs. Postpill. It will explain the similarities and differences between Postpill and Postinor-2 pills and also find out if one of them is more effective than the other.

 What is Postpill?

Postpill is an emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), also called the morning-after pill. It contains concentrated doses of levonorgestrel, an active ingredient also found in regular birth control pills.

DKT Ethiopia manufactures Postpill. Each pack contains only one pill with 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel, a synthetic progesterone. 

ECPs like Postpill are FDA-approved and are first-line oral pills with approval from the World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent pregnancy.  

PostPill works by delaying the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). When you don’t ovulate, there won’t be an egg for sperm cells released during penetrative sex to fertilize; hence, pregnancy won’t take place. Postpill may also prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm cells to swim past into the uterus. 

Postpill is quite affordable. It costs about N1,000 in Nigeria. 

 How long Postpill lasts in the body

According to a 2018 study, emergency contraceptives like Postpill have a half-life of about 27.5 hours. This means Postpill can last for about 55 hours in the body (i.e., 2-3 days).

 What Postpill drug is used for

Postpill drug is used to prevent pregnancy in emergency situations, such as a condom breakage. The pill prevents pregnancy, especially when taken immediately after unprotected sex. Even though it works up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, the earlier you take it, the higher its chances of preventing pregnancy.

 What is Postinor-2?

Like Postpill, Postinor-2 is an emergency contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It also contains levonorgestrel. However, unlike Postpill, which contains 1.5mg of levonorgestrel per pill, Postinor-2 contains 0.75mg of levonorgestrel per pill. 

Postinor-2 is manufactured by Gedeon Richter Plc, a multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company headquartered in Hungary. 

Postinor-2 works similarly to Postpill. It is effective when taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse and even more effective when taken immediately after sex. It is not intended to be used as a regular birth control pill.

The cost of Postinor-2 varies depending on the location and the pharmaceutical store you are buying it from. In Nigeria, the cost of Postinor-2 ranges from N800-3,500. 

 Differences between Postpill and Postinor 2

Comparing Postpill vs. Postinor-2, there is not much difference between both medications as they are both intended to be used as emergency contraceptives. The difference between Postpill and Postinor-2 lies in the quantity of active ingredients they contain and their packaging. Below is a table that shows the differences between Postpill and Postinor-2.

 Similarities between Postpill and Postinor-2?

Since they contain the same active ingredient, levonorgestrel, Postpill, and Postinor-2 share a lot of things in common. Similarities between Postpill and Postinor 2 include:

• They are both emergency contraceptives (also called Plan B).
• They are both taken orally.
• They are both not intended to be used as regular birth control pills.
• They both prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation.
• They are both effective when taken immediately after sex or within 72 hours after sexual intercourse.
• Neither pill protects against sexually transmitted infections.

 Postpill and Postinor-2, which is more effective?

Postpill and Postinor-2 both effectively prevent pregnancy when taken earlier after sex. According to WHO, emergency contraceptives taken as a single dose of 1.5 mg, such as Postpill, work the same as those taken in two doses of 0.75 mg each.

Both Postpill and Postinor-2 are also considered safe for use. However, they may cause varying side effects for different people. You may experience side effects when you take Postinor-2 and may feel okay with Postpill, while the reverse may be the case for another person. It is often best to stick with the birth control option that works best for you. 

 Postpill and Postinor-2 side effects

Like regular birth control pills, emergency contraceptives like Postpill and Postinor-2 have some possible side effects. However, the side effects are often mild and don’t last long.

Possible side effects of Postpill or Postinor 2 include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Breast tenderness
• Mild stomach disturbances
• Changes in the menstruation cycle

 Final thoughts

Postpill and Postinor 2 are both levonorgestrel-containing emergency contraceptives with a similar mode of action but different quantities of the active ingredient. Both drugs are effective and considered safe for use. Like other drugs, they have some adverse effects. But, their side effects are often mild. 

Your body may react differently to either medication. In most cases, it’s no cause for concern. But, if you have concerns about contraceptive pills and how they affect you or notice abnormal symptoms that worsen or persist, it is best to speak with a gynecologist.