Looking for birth control pills in Pakistan? We have compiled a comprehensive list of the best emergency contraceptive pills or EC pills in Pakistan along with their prices in this article so keep reading!
Birth control or contraception refers to a way to prevent pregnancy. When we talk about birth control, there are a number of methods out there that can get the job done. Let’s look at some of them.
Table of Contents
What are the Various Methods of Birth Control?
Following are the 8 different methods of birth control:
- Condoms
- IUDs
- Birth control shots
- Birth control pills
- Vasectomy
- Rhythm method
- Vaginal ring
- Tubal ligation
In this article, we will talk about contraception using birth control pills in detail.
What are Birth Control Pills?
Birth control pills, also known as hormonal contraceptives, combination pills, or simply referred to as “the pill” are oral contraceptives used to prevent pregnancy.
Birth control pills are available in pharmacies across Pakistan and can be purchased from your local drug store with a prescription.
They are one of the most popular methods of birth control and are widely used all over the globe by an estimated 100 million women!
Types of Birth Control Pills
There are two main types of birth control pills:
1. Combination Pills (“The Pill”)
The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) also referred to as “the pill” is a birth control pill that uses a combination of two synthetic hormones, an estrogen, and a progestin to prevent pregnancy.
They are usually taken at the same time every day, daily over a 28-day period. Refer to your doctor to get expert advice on the dosage of such pills which you need to follow for maximum effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.
It is more than 99% effective with perfect use and 91% effective with typical use accounting for mistakes such as timing errors, or missed doses. They do not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
2. Progestin-only pills (“The Mini Pill”)
Another type of birth control pill is the progestin-only pill (POP), also called “the mini pill.” Unlike its counterpart, this birth control pill only contains progestin and is devoid of an estrogen.
Some women who cannot use estrogen due to their health concerns can opt for the mini pill as their preferred birth control method. Breastfeeding women also prefer the minipill as estrogen is known to affect breast milk production.
If taken correctly the POP is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Accounting for mistakes the efficacy drops a bit lower to around 93%. Similar to the COCP it does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
How do Birth Control Pills Work?
The combination pill works by thickening the cervical mucus which thereby stops the sperm from reaching the uterus in order to fertilize an egg. They can also prevent ovulation in women ensuring that your ovaries do not release an egg every month.
The minipill works by thinning your endometrium which is a membrane lining the uterus and the place where an egg attaches itself upon fertilization. A thinner endometrium will make it harder for an egg to implant itself resulting in a lesser chance of pregnancy.
Progestin-only pills also thicken the mucus around your cervix preventing the sperm from entering the womb. They may also prevent ovulation.
List of Birth Control Pills in Pakistan
Following are the birth control pills available in Pakistan:
1. Famila 28
Famila 28F is a brand of birth control pills in Pakistan manufactured by ZAFA Pharmaceutical Laboratories. It is available in a pack of 3 strips of 28 tablets each for a total of 84 tablets. It is not recommended for pregnant women.
Formula:
It is composed of Levonorgestrel and Ethinyloestradiol.
Price:
One pack of Famila 28 can be bought for the price of Rs. 90 in Pakistan. To purchase it you will need to show a prescription.
2. Diane 35
Diane 35 is a combined oral contraceptive pill that is manufactured by Bayer. Apart from preventing pregnancy, it is also used as an anti-androgen in women facing problems like acne and excessive facial hair growth.
Pregnant females should refrain from using Diane. Moreover, it can also lead to infertility in some females upon continuous use.
Formula:
Each tablet of Diane-35 is composed of Cyproterone acetate and Ethinyloestradiol.
Price:
It can be bought for the price of Rs. 452 in Pakistan from any medical store but a prescription is required to purchase it.
3. Emkit
Emkit is another brand of Emergency Contraceptive pills (ECP) by ZAFA Pharmaceutical Laboratories. It contains 2 tablets per pack.
Formula:
Each tablet of Emkit is composed of Levonorgestrel.
Price:
One pack of Emkit can be purchased for Rs. 19 with a prescription.
4. Novodol
Novodol is a birth control pill in Pakistan that is manufactured by Social Marketing. It is available in a pack of 3 strips of 28 tablets each.
Formula:
Novodol is composed of Levonorgestrel and Ethinyloestradiol.
Price:
One pack of Novodol can be purchased for Rs. 80 in Pakistan with a doctor’s prescription.
5. Nordette
Nordette is a brand of birth control pills in Pakistan. It is sold by Pfizer and its main purpose is to prevent pregnancy. One pack of Nordette contains 28 tablets.
Formula:
Levonorgestrel and Ethinyloestradiol are the primary ingredients of its formula.
Price:
One pack of Nordette can be purchased for Rs. 26 in Pakistan with a doctor’s prescription.
6. Yaz
It is a brand of birth control pills in Pakistan that is manufactured and sold by Bayer. One pack of Yaz contains 28 tablets.
Formula:
Yaz is composed of Ethinyloestradiol and Drospirenone.
Price:
One pack of Yaz can be purchased for Rs. 731 in Pakistan with a doctor’s prescription.
7. Desofam
Desofam is an oral contraceptive pill brand by ZAFA. It is available in a pack of 28 tablets in Pakistan and also in a pack of 3 strips of 28 tablets each.
Formula:
Desofam is composed of Ethinyloestradiol and Desogestrel.
Price:
One pack of 28 Desofam birth control pills can be purchased for Rs. 33 in Pakistan. You can also buy the 3 strips variant that has 84 tablets for Rs. 92. You need a prescription to purchase it.
8. Meliane
Meliane is a brand of oral contraceptives sold by Bayer in Pakistan. It is available in a pack of 21 tablets.
Formula:
Meliane is composed of Gestodene and Ethinyloestradiol.
Price:
The price of Meliane in Pakistan is Rs. 707 per pack.
9. Omatril
Omatril is a brand of birth control pills in Pakistan produced by Obs Pharma. It is available in a pack of 30 tablets. Omatril is effective in preventing pregnancy and may also be beneficial for treating acne, irregular periods, and period pain.
Formula:
It contains Lynestrenol as the main ingredient.
Price:
You can purchase it with a valid prescription for Rs. 235 in Pakistan.
What are the Benefits of Birth Control Pills?
Following are the benefits of birth control pills in Pakistan:
- Safe and convenient birth control method
- Can make periods less painful
- Reduces acne
- Helps regulate periods
What are the Side Effects of Birth Control Pills?
Following are the side effects of birth control pills in Pakistan:
- Headache
- Mood swings
- Swollen breasts
- Nausea
- Weight changes
- Breakthrough bleeding
Drugs that can interfere with birth control pills
Following drugs may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills in preventing pregnancy hence, should not be used together with birth control pills. Ask your doctor if it’s okay for you to use birth control pills if you are already using these drugs:
- Rifampin (Rifampicin)
- Carbamazepine
- Modafinil (Provigil)
- Barbiturates
- Phenytoin
