Medical Education Library

Emergency contraception: When and how to use it
February 2008
This supplement was supported by a grant from Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Although emergency contraception is available over-the-counter to individuals aged 18 years and older, many patients are uninformed or misinformed about how it works and may fail to recognize their need for it. Clinicians must be able to address these issues and proactively counsel patients about their risk of pregnancy, the availability of emergency contraception, and the correct way to use it.

This supplement provides clinicians with tips for discussing the risk of pregnancy associated with contraceptive failure or in situations in which contraception is not used. A patient handout, included with this supplement, reinforces this message.

Strategies for effective collaboration between clinicians and pharmacists are highlighted to promote patient access to emergency contraception and information about family planning.

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