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Unwanted 72 Side Effects | Key Things to Consider

Unwanted 72 Side Effects | Key Things to Consider banner

Published on: November 06, 2025

Author: Admin

What is Unwanted 72?

Unwanted 72 is the emergency contraceptive pill. Couples use these pills to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sexual intercourse or suspected contraceptive failure. These pills can be considered as an effective method of preventing an unintended pregnancy, especially if taken no longer than 3 days after sex without protection.

How Unwanted 72 Works?

Unwanted 72 pills generally come in a dosage of 0.75 MG. They work by preventing the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) to suppress ovulation.

If ovulation has already happened, they work by preventing the fertilisation of an egg with the sperm. Even if fertilisation has happened, they work by preventing the implantation of the fertilised egg within the endometrial lining.

All these factors can be done as the pill contains levonorgestrel, which is a synthetic progestin that mimics the progesterone hormone. The tablet’s mechanism can be changed spontaneously depending on where the woman is in her menstrual cycle.

However, remember that the natural surge of progesterone hormone in the luteal phase can support the pregnancy by thickening the endometrial lining. While a synthetic progestin in these 72 hours tablet acts as a temporary solution to prevent pregnancy only by disrupting the ovulation, fertilisation, and implantation. Meaning, they are less effective if implantation has already taken place.

Hope you have understood what Unwanted 72 is and how it works. Let’s scroll down to learn how to take it, its potential side effects, key things to consider, and who the exemptions of taking these pills are.

What is the Guideline for Taking Unwanted 72?

  • Under a physician’s guidance, even though the pills can be obtained from the pharmacy without a prescription. This is to ensure reducing the risk of potential side effects, ruling out the existing pregnancy, and your present health condition.
  • Within 72 hours of having intercourse without protection. You may also take the pill before those 72 hours if you suspect the used contraception method has not worked well.
  • Either before or after food. Taking the pills after food can predominantly reduce the chances of nauseous sensations.
  • To swallow the entire pill, rather than breaking or crushing it.
  • To avoid taking them regularly. These pills are for emergency purposes only. They are not intended to be used as a regular birth control method. Taking them several times a month can lead to both long-term and short-term side effects.
  • Consult the healthcare provider before taking them if you are breastfeeding, have a history of depression, or are obese.
  • To ensure is Unwanted 72 safe before taking them with the healthcare provider, depending on your individual situation.

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Unwanted 72 Side Effects

Even though Unwanted 72 0.75 MG are generally safe for emergency contraception, it can also exhibit certain side effects. They may range from mild effects like nausea to severe effects like ectopic pregnancy. The regular and unsupervised professional guidance is the common cause of these occurrences.

The following are some of the common side effects of Unwanted 72. They may include:

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are the common side effects of taking Unwanted 72. A high dosage of synthetic hormone in the tablet can be a significant cause of this side effect. Even though these discomforts can typically be short-term and resolve on their own within a maximum of two days.

Headache

Another common side effect could be a headache. Staying well-hydrated by drinking fluids along with an adequate amount of rest can help relieve this discomfort. Sometimes, a small cup of coffee can also help.

Fatigue

Feeling tired or weak after taking Unwanted 72 can be a significant temporary side effect of the levonorgestrel hormone. This can sometimes disrupt the regular menstrual cycle and potentially delay or make changes in your following period. However, this discomfort can be resolved on its own once the body starts to adjust to the medication.

Lower Abdominal Pain

Lower abdominal pain is a known temporary side effect of taking Unwanted 72 pills. This can happen due to the hormonal changes caused by the levonorgestrel in the pill. This discomfort can usually be subsided within a day or two. However, if the abdominal pain is accompanied by any signs of infection or if the pain gets intense and persistent for more than two days, visit a healthcare provider immediately.

Dizziness

Dizziness is another known and temporary Unwanted 72 side effects. This can happen as your body adjusts to the hormonal changes. Since the discomfort is temporary, it can subside in a maximum of two days. Remember to visit the healthcare provider if the side effect affects your daily life.

Breast Tenderness

Breast tenderness can happen as a side effect of synthetic progestin due to the temporary hormonal fluctuations. These changes can be similar to those experienced during ovulation. It is common for some women to become more sensitive even to the touch. If the sensitivity doesn’t go away after two days, visit the healthcare provider.

Changes in the Menstrual Cycle

  • Spotting or Vaginal Bleeding
    Spotting or vaginal bleeding is a normal occurrence after taking Unwanted 72. Again, the high dose of hormones plays a significant role in causing it. This bleeding can happen as the hormones in the pills disrupt the endometrial lining. Apart from light spotting, if you notice heavy bleeding or persistent spotting, have a consultation with the healthcare provider.
  • Delayed Period
    A delayed period can be another normal occurrence after taking Unwanted 72. This can happen as the hormones in the pills disrupt your regular menstrual cycle. Even though noticing your period a week later than expected after taking the pill is common, being delayed by more than a week or beyond it can be a sign of concern.
  • Changes in Bleeding
    Changes in bleeding, such as the flow and occurrence, can be a significant side effect of introducing a synthetic hormone to the body. This can happen as the introduced hormone causes a disruption in the hormone levels and the endometrial lining, which can potentially alter your regular bleeding. Even though these changing bleeding patterns can be inconvenient, they will become normal in the upcoming cycle.

Key Things to Consider While Taking Unwanted 72

Timing is Crucial

Timing is crucial when it comes to preventing pregnancy using the Unwanted 72 tablet. The effectiveness of the pill is at its highest when taken sooner after unprotected sex. However, the pill may still work if you take it within 3 days of the incidence, but its effectiveness can be diminished.

Does Not Cause Abortion

Unwanted 72 pills do not potentially terminate an already established pregnancy. Instead, they work only by disrupting the essential processes like ovulation, fertilisation and implantation that cause the pregnancy. Therefore, if you suspect being pregnant, or haven’t experienced your period within the expected date after taking an Unwanted 72 pill, consulting a healthcare provider is highly suggested.

Not for Regular Use

Unwanted 72 contains a high dose of the levonorgestrel hormone. Due to this, taking one pill can be effective enough in preventing pregnancy, especially if taken within a 72-hour window. Since the pills are designed to work for a limited timeframe, they are intended for occasional use only. They cannot be used significantly as a regular birth control option.

If You Vomit

If you vomit the taken pill within two to three hours, taking another pill is recommended to ensure its effectiveness. This is because the medication might not have fully been absorbed in the body to prevent pregnancy. If you continue to vomit even after taking the second pill, consulting a healthcare provider is highly advisable.

As already mentioned, Unwanted 72 contains a high dose of levonorgestrel hormone. Due to this, taking one pill can be effective enough in preventing pregnancy, especially if taken within a 72-hour window. The regular and unsupervised professional guidance can lead to menstrual irregularities, hormonal imbalances, and other severe complications.

Who are the Exceptions to Take the Unwanted 72?

  • Having a history of allergies to the ingredients in the pills.
  • Having a history of blood clot disorders.
  • Having a history of abnormal vaginal bleeding.
  • Having a history of diabetes.
  • Having a history of certain medical conditions like liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, severe heart conditions, and high cholesterol.
  • Taking anti-epileptic medicines, antifungal medicines, tuberculosis medicines, or HIV medicines.
  • Being pregnant.
  • Having a history of anaemia, asthma, or malnutrition.
  • Having a history of breast cancer.
  • Having a history of tubal pregnancies (ectopic pregnancy).

Summary

Unwanted 72 is an effective emergency contraception. The tablet is designed to be safe to prevent unintended pregnancy by not harming the female reproductive system. Unwanted 72 tablet uses can specifically benefit an already established pregnancy without inducing an abortion.

Even though they are safe and effective for use, they can potentially cause certain side effects like fatigue and menstrual irregularities. Understanding the guidelines of taking the pill with professional guidance is the key to minimising the complications as well as side effects.

Above all, talk to your healthcare provider for any guidance.

If you still have any concerns, having a consultation with experts at Aval Clinics is recommended. They can guide you.

Contact us today for expert advice and personalized care:

Frequently Asked Questions

Unwanted 72 can cause several period-related side effects. They may include changes in the bleeding, delayed or earlier period, and spotting between the cycles. These changes can occur due to the high dose of hormones in the pills. These side effects are often temporary. However, if the changes are still persistent even in the upcoming cycle, visiting the healthcare provider is highly appreciated.
Unwanted-72 is generally a safe method of emergency contraception, especially if used occasionally. On the contrary, the regular and frequent usage of these pills can lead to complications like ectopic pregnancies and menstrual cycle changes.
There are no specific failure symptoms from using Unwanted 72. But pregnancy can be the only sign that the pill has not worked well. Sometimes, ectopic pregnancy can also be the symptom of an Unwanted 72 failure.
Unwanted 72 can work effectively when taken sooner after unprotected sex. However, the pill may still work if you take it within 3 days of the incidence, but its effectiveness can be diminished. To maximise its effectiveness, you should take the pill within a few hours.
There are no potential long-term side effects of using Unwanted 72 on pregnancy or fertility. Rather, they can disrupt your regular menstrual cycle and cause menstrual irregularities like delayed or irregular periods.
Dr. Swetha Sundarrajan - Gynecologist in Chennai

Dr. Swetha Sundarrajan

9+ Years Of Experience

MS (OG), DNB – Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Dr. Swetha is a skilled OB-GYN specializing in laparoscopic surgeries, obstetric ultrasound, and high-risk pregnancies. She currently practices at A4 Hospitals and Aval Clinics, offering expert and compassionate women’s healthcare.