OC 21 TABLET is an emergency birth control pill. It provides a safe and effective way to prevent an unintended pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. However, it should not be used as regular contraception.

It is a progestin.

Uses of OC 21 Tablet

Emergency contraception

Benefits of OC 21 Tablet

In Emergency contraception

OC 21 TABLET is an emergency contraceptive medicine that stops you from getting pregnant. It may be taken within 3 days or 72 hours of having unprotected intercourse (sex). Firstly, it prevents an egg from being released from your ovaries. Secondly, it makes the fluid (mucus) in your cervix thicker, which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb. Additionally, it prevents thickening of the lining of your womb, thereby making it unfavourable for an egg to grow in it. OC 21 TABLET is a reliable and safe method for contraception, if used correctly. It does not interrupt with sex and you can lead a normal routine life without any worries. Take it as directed by the doctor to get the most benefit.

Side effects of OC 21 Tablet

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of OC 21

Headache
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Nausea
Lower abdominal pain
Vomiting
Dizziness
Breast tenderness
Irregular menstrual cycle

How to use OC 21 Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. OC 21 TABLET may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Safety advice

Alcohol

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with OC 21 TABLET. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy

UNSAFE

OC 21 TABLET is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.

Breast feeding

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

OC 21 TABLET is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Nonhormonal contraceptives is preferred in breastfeeding women, especially during the first 4 weeks postpartum

Driving

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether OC 21 TABLET alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.

Kidney

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of OC 21 TABLET in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

Liver

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of OC 21 TABLET in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

OC 21 TABLET

₹3.53/Tablet

Nowill 1.5mg Tablet

Zee Laboratories

₹73.8/tablet

1991% costlier

Restrikt 1.5mg Tablet

Axis Life Science Pvt Ltd

₹60/tablet

1600% costlier

Nofear 72 1.5mg Tablet

Solitaire Pharmacia Pvt Ltd

₹79/tablet

2138% costlier

Leepill 1.5mg Tablet

Leeford Healthcare Ltd

₹75/tablet

2025% costlier

Mpill 1.5mg Tablet

Medico Healthcare

₹10/tablet

183% costlier

View all substitutes

Quick tips

OC 21 TABLET is a single tablet and you only have to take 1 dose for it to work.
Take it as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours and not later than 72 hours (3 days) of having unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Notify your doctor if you vomit within 2-3 hours of taking this medicine.
It is not as effective as regular methods of contraception and should be used only as an emergency measure.
Take a pregnancy test about a week after you take OC 21 TABLET as there is a 5-10% chance that it may not have worked.

Fact Box

Chemical Class

Progesterone Congeners

Habit Forming

Therapeutic Class

GYNAECOLOGICAL

Action Class

Progestins (Second generation)

Patient concerns

Black spot on my face .i use dermikem oc

Dr. Souvik Sardar

Dermatology

Use kojic cream-once daily at bedtime for 2months

Black spot and small pimple on my face I use dermikem oc cream

Dr. Atula Gupta

Dermatology

Please send pictures of affected area

FAQs

What is OC 21 TABLET?

It is an emergency contraceptive tablet which is used in case of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

When is it appropriate to take OC 21 TABLET tablet?

You should take it only in emergency situations such as unprotected sex, contraceptive failure (eg. broken condom) or irregular use of your birth control pills.

How should I take OC 21 TABLET?

Take one tablet as soon as possible, not later than 72 hours of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

How effective is OC 21 TABLET?

The sooner you take it, the more effective it is. OC 21 TABLET significantly reduces your chances of becoming pregnant if used within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

What are the side effects of OC 21 TABLET?

It is almost safe for all women. Some common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache and lower abdominal pain may occur. Your breasts may become more tender than usual. There is a possibility of unexpected vaginal bleeding, but this should clear up by the time you get your next period. Your periods may become irregular. Go for a pregnancy test if they are delayed by more than a week.

Can I take OC 21 TABLET during breastfeeding?

Yes, it is safe during breastfeeding. It is unlikely to cause any significant effect on milk quantity that can affect the infant adversely.

How often can I use OC 21 TABLET?

It can be taken more than once in a month but it is advised only for emergency contraception. Keep using regular contraception like condoms, regular birth control pills, IUDs etc. for avoiding unwanted pregnancy.

Is a pregnancy test required after taking OC 21 TABLET?

Although OC 21 TABLET significantly reduces your chances of pregnancy, if your periods are delayed by more than a week, a pregnancy test is recommended. However, if you decide on continuing the pregnancy, you may do so as OC 21 TABLET does not work if pregnancy has already been established. It will not cause harm to the foetus.

Can OC 21 TABLET be taken for regular birth control?

No, it is not indicated for regular birth control. It is used only as an emergency measure after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

Can OC 21 TABLET protect against Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs) and HIV / AIDS?

No, it does not offer any protection from HIV / AIDS or other Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs). You can use condoms to protect yourself from STDs and HIV / AIDS.

What is the difference between 'emergency contraceptive pill' and 'abortion pill'?

Pregnancy starts once the fertilized egg gets attached to the lining of the uterus (womb). Abortion pills contain medicine, which hinders the development of a pregnancy after it has occurred and also alters the character of the womb lining in a way that the fertilized egg gets detached, hence causing abortion. On the other hand, emergency contraceptive pills like OC 21 TABLET contain female hormones which delay the release of egg or prevent movement of sperm towards the egg. This prevents fertilization and hence pregnancy. OC 21 TABLET does not have any effect on a fertilized egg and hence does not cause abortion.

Is OC 21 TABLET effective if frequent acts of intercourse have occurred in a short duration of time?

Yes. It is effective if you have had several acts of intercourse in a short span of time. However, it is important that these acts have occurred within 72 hours before taking OC 21 TABLET. Also, since there is a chance of unintended pregnancy after frequent acts of unprotected sex in the same cycle, it is advisable to use a barrier contraceptive method (e.g. condom) until the next period even after using OC 21 TABLET.

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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

References

Levonorgestrel. Albert Street, Slough: Lupin Healthcare (UK) Ltd.; 2014 [revised 3 May 2018]. [Accessed 04 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Drugs.com. Levonogestrel. [Accessed 04 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-S198. [Accessed 03 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 04 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:

Marketer details

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Address: Plot no 107/108,Namli block , Ranipool, East Sikkim 737135

Country of origin: India

The list of available options shown with the same composition has been prepared upon the advice of registered medical practitioners, pharmacists affiliated with TATA 1MG. TATA 1MG does not promote any pharmaceutical product of any particular company, and all recommendations are based on the medical opinion, advisories from specialist medical and pharmaceutical professionals.