A recent report stated that the morning-after pill, a necessary emergency contraceptive, is being considered for possible distribution and sale restrictions. Health professionals have voiced serious concerns about this and emphasized the potential consequences of the same.
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) currently allows for the sale of 1.5mg Levonorgestrel (LNG Progesterone hormone) tablets as emergency contraception under the Government of India National Reproductive and Child Health Program. But a sub-committee formed by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has suggested changes to the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules of 1945 to classify these drugs as prescription-only.
This regulation by CDSCO seems to stem from the fact that many users are ignorant about the correct dose and use of the drugs along with their potential side effects. The drug's "over-the-counter" access has led to a culture where people neglect regular contraceptive methods and rely on emergency solutions considering them a quick fix to unprotected intercourse. While the drug is effective in delaying ovulation and preventing pregnancy, it does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases or regulate female hormones effectively. Moreover, progesterone also comes with its fair share of side effects when overused, such as dysmenorrhea, headache, acne, nausea, and vomiting [1]. Some possible contraindications to be considered further with the use of these drugs are allergy, hypersensitivity, severe liver disease, pregnancy, and drug-drug interactions with liver-metabolized drugs [1]. Other contraceptive options available like Condoms, Intra uterine devices, and non-hormonal pills like Centchroman Ormeloxifene) have a much wider range of benefits and a separate maybe even lesser set of side effects. Proper education about all available options which should be considered by individuals before resorting to morning-after pills can only be done if a prescription is made mandatory.
Many women have expressed concerns about how difficult it will be to obtain prescriptions in an emergency due to the limited access to gynecologists.
Implementing strict guidelines for the sale of these drugs and ensuring that it is accompanied by proper educational resources instead of a complete ban seems more feasible and implementable to experts since a sudden ban on these drugs might lead to illegal abortion practices or unwanted pregnancies.
Ultimately, a balanced approach that prioritizes both access and education of reproductive essentials could pave the way for a wholesome approach to responsible usage and public health.
1. Duane, K., and K. Amin. Levonorgestrel. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539737/
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Chhavi Garg/MSM)