§ Jim DobbinTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department issues to women regarding the potential side-effects of taking the morning-after pill. [97649]
§ Ms BlearsGuidance about the possible side effects associated with taking the morning-after pill or emergency contraceptive, Levonelle, is routinely provided in the patient information leaflet included with this medicine. The possible side effects of Levonelle are also included in the information that is provided to health professionals, the summary of product characteristics, who are encouraged to discuss these side effects with the individual woman before treatment is provided.
Pharmacists are supplied with a 'Protocol' that contains a checklist of advice that should be given to each woman when she is given Levonelle. This protocol includes the need to inform women of the most common side effects that may occur.
771WInformation about potential side effects of Levonelle has most recently been provided in the Chief Medical Officer's (CMO) newsletter, CMO Update, which is available through the Medicines Control Agency (MCA)/CMO websites.
As with all licensed medicines, the safety of Levonelle is continuously monitored by the MCA, with independent expert advice from the Committee on Safety of Medicines. In the event of any important new safety information emerging, the MCA will take action to ensure that this is accurately reflected in the product information and communicated to health professionals and women using the product.