German Remedies, a member of the Zydus Cadila Group, market leader in gynaecological hormones recently introduced India's first emergency contraception (EC), which is a post-coital method of contraception used to prevent unintended pregnancies arising out of unprotected intercourse. The new progestin only emergency contraceptive pill under the brand name 'ECee2', contains two tablets of 0.75 mg Levonorgestrel.

"Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy and helps prevent abortions, said LK Subramaniam, regional manager, German Remedies, Bangalore.

As long as unplanned pregnancies remain a public health challenge, EC would provide a significant opportunity for women to prevent it, he pointed out. Emergency contraceptive pills are currently available in the US and many European countries like UK, Ireland, and Netherlands. Women can use EC pills as a back up to their usual birth control method. Almost every women who needs emergency contraception can safely use EC pills. But he cautioned that EC pills should be avoided by women who are already pregnant. This is not because pills are thought to be harmful but because they are ineffective in terminating established pregnancies. "Emergency Contraception is not abortion, he said.

Subramaniam informed that the unique feature of the EC is that it is easy to consume, safe and effective. The first tablet should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse and the second tablet 12 hours after the first dose. The product is however distributed through the prescription market only. " EC helps to prevent pregnancies and the anxiety of abortions, he added.

The product priced at Rs. 35 was launched in Bangalore at the Command Hospital. It was also simultaneously introduced in all other parts of India. "So far the response from Karnataka is encouraging," said Subramaniam.