Tolerability of levonorgestrel emergency contraception in adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the tolerability of emergency contraception in adolescents. Study design In this descriptive study, 1 0.75 mg levonorgestrel tablet was administered to 52 females aged 13-16 with instructions to take the second tablet 12 hours later (unprotected intercourse was not an entry requirement). Participants kept diaries of side effects and menstrual patterns. We assessed correct use, side effects caused by treatment, and impact on menstrual cycle.


RESULTS
Virtually all participants used the drug correctly, with no serious adverse events. Minor expected side effects occurred, including nausea, fatigue, and vomiting. There was no difference in reporting of side effects by age. Adolescents' mean duration of menses was comparable pre- and post-treatment (5.3 vs 5.0 days; P=.146), and onset of menses was within the expected range. Ninety percent of participants reported they would recommend emergency contraception to a friend or relative if needed.


CONCLUSIONS
Adolescents tolerated the medication well, experiencing transient side effects.
Harper
Cynthia C
CC
Center for Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, 3333 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94143-0744, USA. harperc@obgyn.ucsf.edu
Rocca
Corinne H
CH
Darney
Philip D
PD
von Hertzen
Helena
H
Raine
Tina R
TR
D000293:Adolescent; D003280:Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003283:Contraceptives, Postcoital, Synthetic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008598:Menstruation / Q000187:drug effects
D003280:Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic; D003283:Contraceptives, Postcoital, Synthetic; D016912:Levonorgestrel