Taking morning after pill with piroxicam found to be more effective

Unprotected sex can lead to unwanted pregnancies. 

Plan B One-Step, an emergency contraceptive pill or morning-after pill, is one of the trusted methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies. However, the pill is not always 100% effective.

A new Lancet study has revealed that the morning-after pill combined with the painkiller piroxicam is more effective. 

This study was released earlier this month. 

READ: Young woman uses campaign to help females prevent unwanted pregnancies

According to the study, the combined treatment “prevents significantly more pregnancies compared to taking levonorgestrel alone."

Of a group of 418 women who took both levonorgestrel and piroxicam, only one became pregnant, which put the success rate of the combination at 99.8%.

"For the general public, the emergency contraceptives that we have been using (are) really good... We're lucky that we find something to perfect the regimen," co-investigator Sue Lo, from the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong, told AFP. 

However, the study also warned people of taking the prescriptions without seeking guidance from their health practitioner. 

"It's a little bit too early to ask women to add (piroxicam) into their regimen at this point," Sue told AFP.

"Anybody who needs emergency contraception should go to see a doctor... Whether she should add another prescription drug on top of (levonorgestrel), she should discuss with a doctor," she said. 

READ: What you need to know about vasectomies birth control method for men

Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.

Image courtesy of iStock/ @Antonio_Diaz