Diad morning-after pill: how to take and side effects

Diad is a morning-after pill used as an emergency contraceptive to prevent pregnancy, after intimate contact without a condom, or when there is suspicion of failure of the routinely used contraceptive method. It is important to highlight that this medicine is not an abortifacient and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

This pill contains the hormone levonorgestrel in its composition, and for it to act effectively, it must be taken within a maximum of 72 hours after unprotected intimate contact.

Diad is a method for occasional emergency use, and should not replace the usual contraceptive method, as it can cause side effects, due to its high hormone concentration.

What is it for

Diad is indicated for women as an emergency contraceptive method, after unprotected sexual intercourse or in cases where the normally used contraceptive method fails, such as when the condom breaks, the diaphragm shifts, the contraceptive pill is forgotten or the injection is delayed. contraceptive, for example.

It is important to take into account that Diad is not indicated as a routine contraceptive method. If a woman does not have a contraceptive method, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist to carry out a clinical assessment and indicate the most appropriate method on an individual basis. See the main contraceptive methods.

How to drink

Diad can be found in two presentations, with a single tablet containing 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel, or with two tablets, containing 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel in each tablet.

The way to take Diad varies according to its presentation and includes:

Diad can be taken at any time during the menstrual cycle, except when your period is already late.

If you are using contraceptive pills, there is no need to stop using them and you should take them regularly.

Should I use a condom after taking Diad?

Yes. After using Diad, it is recommended to use a barrier contraceptive method, such as a male or female condom, or a diaphragm, until the start of the next menstrual cycle.

Can Diad be used more than once during the same menstrual cycle?

It is not recommended to use Diad more than once during the same menstrual cycle, as repeated administration may cause changes in the menstrual cycle.

Therefore, it is important to consult a gynecologist to recommend an appropriate contraceptive method for each case and thus avoid the continued use of emergency pills. See other questions about using the morning-after pill.

Possible side effects

The main side effects that may arise with the use of Diad are nausea, lower abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, tiredness, vomiting, breast tenderness and irregular bleeding.

Furthermore, a change in the menstrual cycle may occur, causing menstruation to be delayed or brought forward by a few days in relation to the expected date. See other side effects that may be caused by the morning-after pill.

Who shouldn’t use

Diad should not be used in the case of suspected or confirmed pregnancy, or during breastfeeding, or by women who are allergic to the tablet’s components or have severe liver failure.

The emergency pill should be used with caution in women who have asthma, severe cardiovascular disease, diabetes, epilepsy or a history of stroke, therefore a gynecologist should be consulted before use.

Diad should also not be used by girls under 16, as there are few studies on the safety of use in children under 16.