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Postinor-2 price in Nigeria 2022

Black pharmacist in a pharmacy shop holding a postinor-2 pack

The increased use of Postinor 2 can be linked to its high effectiveness in preventing pregnancy and its affordability. Postinor 2 is available in most pharmacy shops and can be easily purchased in any part of the country.

If you are wondering how much it would cost you to buy postinor 2 in Nigeria, this article answers your question. In this article, we will look at postinor 2, the price of postinor 2 in Nigeria, how it works, and where you can buy it in Nigeria.

What is Postinor 2?

Postinor 2 is an emergency contraceptive used in preventing pregnancy. It is referred to as an emergency contraceptive because it can be used to prevent pregnancy in emergency cases e.g., condom breakage during sex.

Postinor-2 contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel, which works mainly by preventing or delaying ovulation, thus preventing fertilization.

Emergency contraceptives like Postinor-2 work within 24-48 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. The manufacturer designed this medication to be taken as one-off emergency birth control pills. People can use them after a contraceptive failure, unplanned unprotected sexual intercourse, or sexual assault.

Postinor 2 is more efficient when used within 24 hours (likely to prevent about 95% of pregnancies). If used after 48 hours, the effectiveness reduces to 58%.

How much is Postinor 2 (plan B) in Nigeria?

Postinor 2 costs about N800–3,500 in Nigeria, and it is sold in different pharmaceutical outlets in the country. The exact price of the postinor-2 card will depend on your location and where you are buying it from.

However, be careful not to buy a fake product or from uncertified pharmacy stores. Even though Postinor-2 is an over-the-counter medication in Nigeria, it is best to buy it from a certified pharmacist who will also give you the right dosage.

How to use Postinor-2 as an emergency contraceptive

The Postinor 2 contraceptive pill comes in a pack that always has a leaflet. You can also check the leaflet for more information and precautions before taking the drug.

Postinor 2 is best used immediately after sexual intercourse. Two tablets are often enough. You can take the first one immediately after sexual intercourse, and the second one should be taken 12 hours after the first tablet.

But before taking the first tablet, you may want to ensure that the next 12 hours won't be at midnight, when you will most likely be fast asleep. Otherwise, make plans to set an alarm so you can wake up on time and take the second pill.

Suppose you have a history of high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease (heart disease caused by reduced blood flow in the blood vessels), breast cancer, chronic liver disease, or stroke. In that case, consider consulting your doctor before taking Postinor 2. Also, if you are already pregnant, there is no point in taking the pill.

Is Postinor 2 effective for preventing pregnancy?

Postinor 2 is effective in preventing pregnancies when taken on time and with the right dosage.

Postinor 2 can be effective in preventing pregnancy if taken within the first 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse. However, it is most effective in the first 24 hours.

Where to buy Postinor 2 in Nigeria

Postinor 2 is available on Konga and so many pharmaceutical outlets in Nigeria. Irrespective of the state where you reside, Postinor-2 is readily available in any part of the country.

It is also better to purchase Postinor 2 from a licensed pharmacy. This will help you get the needed medical advice, and you will be sure of getting an original product.

Oral contraceptive alternative to Postinor 2 (plan B)

Aside from Postinor 2, other oral contraceptives can be used to prevent unplanned emergency pregnancy. However, some of them may not be as popular as Postinor 2 in Nigeria.

When choosing an oral contraceptive, there are some things to look out for to help you know the one that will be most suitable for you.

Some things to look out for include the effect of the pill on weight, sexual activity, breastfeeding, and convenience. It will be best to discuss this with a healthcare professional as well.

Some oral contraceptive alternatives of postinor-2 include:

1. AfterPill

AfterPill is an oral contraceptive effective within the first three days of sexual intercourse. It contains 1.5 miligrams (mg) of levonorgestrel .

It is most effective when taken in the first twelve hours after sexual intercourse.

AfterPill can be ordered directly from the manufacturer online with a price range of $20 to $25.

2. Take Action

Take action is an oral contraceptive used to prevent emergency unplanned pregnancy. It is most effective within the first three days of having unprotected sexual intercourse.

It contains levonorgestrel. However, it has been associated with side effects like nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, breast pain, mild stomach pain, dizziness, and changes in the menstrual cycle.

The price is around $40 and can be ordered online or in some pharmacy stores.

3. Ella

Ella is another oral contraceptive that can be used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It is best taken following a prescription from a health care professional. It works within 5 days of having unprotected sexual intercourse.

Ella isn't best suited for people with a high BMI and breastfeeding people. It is also associated with abdominal pains, headaches, period pain, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness.

4. My Choice

My choice is another oral contraceptive that is used for emergency contraception to prevent emergency pregnancy. It is effective within the first three days of having unprotected sex.

It is often associated with side effects like tiredness, breast pain, nausea, menstrual changes, and dizziness.

Other contraceptive options

Asides from oral contraceptives, there are other contraceptive methods for preventing pregnancy both in the short and long term.

Examples of such contraceptive methods are:

Condoms

Condoms serve as a barrier, preventing sperm from entering the woman's reproductive system. They also prevent sexually transmitted infections to some extent.

Sponges

Women place sponges in their vagina before sexual intercourse to prevent sperm from entering the cervix. Sponges contain spermicides, and they are active for up to 24 hours.

They are most effective in women who have never been pregnant.

Spermicide

Spermicides are placed inside the vagina before sex to kill any sperm entering the vagina. They can be found in foams, gels, and tablet forms.

Take Away

Postinor 2 is considered highly effective in preventing unplanned, emergency pregnancy. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Women who are breastfeeding should avoid using Postinor 2 or other oral contraceptives.

Also, if you have any underlying health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, avoid taking Postinor 2 or, better still, consult with your health care professional to know the best contraceptive option for you.

For people in Nigeria, Postinor-2 is sold within the price range of N800-#3,100 in Nigeria and is readily available in pharmacies in different parts of the country.

It is important to discuss contraception if you are sexually active and do not want to get pregnant. You should learn more about emergency contraceptive pills and how exactly they work to prevent pregnancy.

References

  1. Glasier A. (1997). Emergency postcoital contraception
  2. Vrettakos C and Bajaj T. (2022). Levonorgestrel