INDISCRIMINATE USE OF THE MORNING-AFTER PILL BY ADOLESCENTS: PHARMACOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS AND THE ROLE OF THE PHARMACIST

Abstract

Because it is low-cost and highly effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies, emergency contraception has been used indiscriminately and without adequate guidance by adolescents and young adults. This study aimed to analyze, through a literature review, the indiscriminate use of the morning-after pill by adolescents, discussing its pharmacological implications and highlighting the role of pharmacists in providing guidance, prevention, and promoting the rational use of this medication. The methodology used showed that, being an emergency method, levonorgestrel should be used when regular contraception fails. However, it has been observed that adolescents use this medication instead of their routine contraceptive method, increasing the risk of adverse effects. It can be concluded that pharmacists are the best professionals to guide these patients regarding the rational use of the morning-after pill, since, when dispensing the medication, they should instruct the patient on how to use it, its adverse effects, and its irrational use.