Chapter 3

Pill Formulations and Dosing for Emergency Contraception

Pill Type and Hormone Formulation Pills to Take At First Pills to Take 12 Hours Later

Dedicated ECP Products
Progestin-only

1.5 mg LNG

 1 0
0.75 mg LNG 2 0
Ulipristal acetate

30 mg ulipristal acetate

 1 0

Oral Contraceptive Pills Used for Emergency Contraception
Combined (estrogen-progestin) oral contraceptives

0.02 mg EE + 0.1 mg LNG

 5 5

0.03 mg EE + 0.15 mg LNG

 4 4

0.03 mg EE + 0.15 mg LNG

 4 4

0.03 mg EE + 0.125 mg LNG

 4 4

0.05 mg EE + 0.25 mg LNG

 2 2

0.03 mg EE + 0.3 mg norgestrel

 4 4

0.05 mg EE + 0.5 mg norgestrel

 2 2
Progestin-only pills

0.03 mg LNG

50*

 0

0.0375 mg LNG

40*

 0

0.075 mg norgestrel

40*

 0

* Many pills, but safe. See Question 8

LNG = levonorgestrel
EE = ethinyl estradiol

For information on brands of ECPs and oral contraceptive pills, see the International Consortium for Emergency Contraception.