Normally, people don’t talk about birth control or contraceptive pills in Pakistan. Therefore, it is no surprise if you know little about it. We have gathered the 8 best birth control pills in Pakistan to guide you in the right direction.
Highlights:
- Many birth control methods are used to avoid pregnancy. However, oral birth control pills are the best, easy, and accessible way to prevent pregnancy.
- There are two types of Birth control pills i.e., combination pills and progestin-only pills.
- You can use combination pills if you don’t have any issues with estrogen hormone. Whereas, women who are not able to employ estrogen due to health issues can use progestin-only pills.
Approximately 99% of women have used contraceptive pills or birth control methods at some point in their life. Still, it is considered a taboo subject. Advertisements that show birth control in non-clinical terms are highly discouraged on social media platforms.
People don’t have enough knowledge about contraceptive methods and pills available in Pakistan. There are a range of the best birth control pills in Pakistan are available. However, the type that works best for a person depends on one’s circumstances and health. There is no perfect birth control method for everyone.
Some methods are more effective than others, while no method is 100% effective. But, how do you know which birth control pill will work for you?
For that, we have enlisted 8 best birth control pills in Pakistan. We have mentioned all birth control pills names and prices in Pakistan.
Moreover, we have also discussed how birth control pills actually work and many more. So that, you have a good general knowledge about the topic and can choose the best birth control pill for yourself.
Birth Control Pills or Contraceptive Pills
Birth control pills are also known as contraceptive pills, combination pills, hormonal contraceptives, or “the pill”. They are oral birth controls that are used to avoid pregnancy.
Birth control pills avoid pregnancy by preventing ovulation. Moreover, it is recommended to take the contraceptive pills at the same time every day.
It has been reported that the pills are 99.7% effective if they are used properly.
Different Types of Birth Control in Pakistan
Other than taking the best contraceptive pills in Pakistan, the following are the 8 methods of contraception in Pakistan:
- Condoms
- Birth control shots/ Injectables
- Intrauterine device (IUDs)
- Plan B/ Morning After Pill/ best emergency contraceptive pill in Pakistan
- Rhythm method
- Vasectomy
- Tubal ligation
- Vaginal ring
Types of Birth Control Pills
There are two common types of oral birth control pills:
1. Combination Pills
As the name indicates, combination pills are a combo of two synthetic hormones i.e., estrogen and progestin. It is also referred to as a combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) and “the pill”.
How to Use Combination Pills?
They are usually taken at the same time every day for a total of 28 days.
It is more than 99% effective if used properly. Whereas, if they’re used ordinarily (when problems like missing doses or timing issues are factored in), then they are 91% effective.
Caution:
Combination pills don’t protect a person from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
2. Progestin-only Pills (POP)
As the name shows progestin-only pills only have progestin hormone in them. They do not have estrogen hormones. Moreover, they are also known as “the little pill” or “mini pill”.
Who Can Use Progestin-Only Pills?
Some women who are not able to employ estrogen due to health issues can use the mini pill as birth control. For example, women with high blood pressure, blood clotting issues, overweight, or smoking issues should use POP.
Moreover, breastfeeding mothers should also prefer using progestin-only pills because estrogen changes the breast milk supply.
Effectiveness of Progestin-Only Pills
Progestin-only pills are 99% effective in preventing conception if used properly as advised by the doctor. The percentage of efficacy drops to 93% if not used properly.
Caution:
Just like combination pills, Progestin-only pills also don’t protect the person from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
How Do Birth Control Pills Actually Work?
Numerous contraceptive pills are “combination pills” which have a mixture of the estrogen and progesterone hormones that are used to prevent ovulation. Ovulation is the release of an egg during the menstrual cycle in women. Pregnancy can not occur if the female doesn’t ovulate as there is no egg for fertilization.
The birth control pill also works by thickening the mucus around the cervix. This thickening makes it difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that might have been released.
The estrogen and progesterone hormones in the pills can also affect the uterus’ lining which makes it difficult for an egg to attach to that wall of the uterus.
Mainly, the mini pill thins the endometrium (uterus lining) which makes it more difficult for the egg to implant. Whereas, progestin-only pills thicken the mucus around the cervix to prevent pregnancy.
8 Best Birth Control Pills in Pakistan
Now, you must have a brief knowledge of the types of birth control pills and how they actually work. Hence, let’s dive into the 8 best birth control pills in Pakistan which you can buy from any pharmacy or drug store in Pakistan.
1. Famila 28F
Famila 28 F is a birth control pill which is manufactured by ZAFA Pharmaceutical Laboratories. ZAFA Pharmaceutical Laboratories is a brand of contraceptive pills in Pakistan. The pills come in a pack of 3 strips and each strip has 28 tablets, which means a total of 84 tablets. It is a combination pill that has both estrogen and progestin hormones.
Moreover, it has 21 White tablets and 7 brown tablets. The white tablets have Levonorgestrel USP 150 mcg, Ethinyl Estradiol USP 30 mcg whereas the brown tablets have Ferrous Fumarate BP 75 mg.
Formula of Famila 28 F
It consists of Levonorgestrel and Ethinyloestradiol.
Side Effects of Famila 28 F
The possible side effects of Famila 28 are as follows:
- Headache
- Ovarian Cysts
- Amenorrhea
- Abdominal Pain
- Enlarged Follicles
- Vaginal or Uterine Bleeding Alterations
- Vulvovaginitis
- Intermenstrual Bleeding
- Ectopic Pregnancy
Price of Famila 28 F Pack in Pakistan
The price of a Famila 28 F pack in Pakistan is Rs. 90.
Warning: It is not recommended for pregnant women.
2. Diane 35
Diane 35 is also a birth control pill which is manufactured by Bayer. It is also a combination birth control pill. It avoids pregnancy as well as acts as an anti-androgen in females with excessive facial hair development and acne.
Formula of Diane 35
It consists of Cyproterone acetate and Ethinyloestradiol.
Side Effects of Diane 35
The possible side effects of Diane 35 are as follows:
- Nausea
- Stomach Pain
- Breast Tenderness
- Mood Changes
- Changes in Weight
Price of Diane 35 Pack in Pakistan
The price of a Diane 35 pack in Pakistan is Rs. 450.
Warning: It is not recommended for pregnant women. Moreover, it should not be used for the long term as it can cause infertility in some women.
3. Emkit
Emkit is an oral birth control pill which is manufactured by ZAFA Pharmaceutical Laboratories. It contains 2 tablets per pack.
It is used to stop ovulation and implantation of eggs in females. It can avoid unwanted pregnancy. Moreover, it works up to 72 hours after intercourse.
Formula of Emkit
It consists of Levonorgestrel.
Side Effects of Emkit
The possible side effects of Emkit are as follows:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Cramps
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Changes in your menstrual periods
- Diarrhea
- Acne
Price of Emkit Pack in Pakistan
The price of an Emkit pack in Pakistan is Rs. 19.
Warning: It cannot terminate pregnancy if the fertilized egg has already attached to the uterus. Therefore, it is better to use it as early as possible.
4. Desofam
Desofam is an oral contraceptive pill which is manufactured by ZAFA Pharmaceutical Laboratories. It comes in a pack of 1 strip of 28 pills as well as 3 strips of 28 tablets each.
It is a combination pill which means it has both estrogen and progesterone hormones.
Formula of Desofam
It consists of Ethinyloestradiol and Desogestrel.
Side Effects of Desofam
The possible side effects of Desofam are as follows:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Weight Gain
- Decreased Libido
- Depression
- Breast tenderness
- Missed Periods
- Stomach Cramps
Price of Desofam Pack in Pakistan
The price of a Desofam pack in Pakistan is Rs. 33.
The 3-strip variant of Desofam has 84 tablets and costs around Rs 92.
Warning: Patients with severe depression, undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, and diabetes should use this medicine with great caution. Moreover, it should not be used for the long term as it can cause infertility in some women.
5. Meliane
Meliane is an oral contraceptive pill which is manufactured by Bayer in Pakistan. It has 21 tablets in it. It is also a combination pill that has both hormones (estrogen and progestin). It is also available worldwide.
Formula of Meliane
It consists of Gestodene and Ethinyloestradiol.
Side Effects of Meliane
The possible side effects of Meliane are as follows:
- Nausea
- GI Discomfort
- Headache
- Decreased Libido
- Breast Tension
- Missed Periods
- Melancholy Moods
Price of Meliane Pack in Pakistan
The price of a Meliane pack in Pakistan is Rs. 700.
Warning: Do not use this medicine if you’re pregnant.
6. Novodol
Novodol is a contraceptive pill which is manufactured by SabzSitara. It comes in a pack of 3 strips with each strip having 28 tablets each.
Formula of Novodol
It consists of Levonorgestrel and Ethinyloestradiol.
Side Effects of Novodol
The possible side effects of Novodol are as follows:
- Infertility in Some Patients
- Irregular, Prolonged, or Excessive Vaginal Bleeding During the first two or three cycles
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Sleep Disorder
- Itching
Price of Novodol Pack in Pakistan
The price of a Novodol pack in Pakistan is Rs. 180.
Warning: Patients with opioid dependence or with cranial trauma should take these pills with great caution.
7. Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP)
Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) is a contraceptive pill which is manufactured by SabzSitara. It has 2 tablets in a pack. It is a mini pill because it only has progestin hormone in it.
It can avoid pregnancy up to over 95% if taken within 5 days after intercourse. You can take this pill if you’ve unprotected intercourse.
Formula of Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP)
It consists of Levonorgestrel.
Side Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP)
The possible side effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) are as follows:
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Breast pain and tenderness
- Change in libido
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
- Severe abdominal pain
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
Price of Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) Pack in Pakistan
The price of an Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) pack in Pakistan is Rs. 25.
Warning: ECP can make the next period earlier, later, or more painful than normal.
8. Omatril
Omatril is a birth control pill which is manufactured by Obs Pharma. It contains 30 tablets in each pack. Apart from acting as a contraceptive pill, it can also be used for acne, period pain, or irregular periods.
Formula of Omatril
It consists of Lynestrenol as an active ingredient.
Side Effects of Omatril
The possible side effects of Omatril are as follows:
- Weight Gain
- Nausea
- Loss of Libido
- Breast Pain and Tenderness
- Edema
- Depressed Mood
- Increase in Blood Glucose Level
Price of Omatril Pack in Pakistan
The price of an Omatril pack in Pakistan is Rs. 280.
Warning: It is not recommended to use this medicine for a prolonged period.
Side Effects of Contraceptive Pills in Pakistan
Some of the side effects of the best contraceptive pills Pakistan are as follows:
- Mood changes
- Nausea
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Weight gain
Benefits of Birth Control Pills
There are side effects of each pill but they do have benefits which are as follows:
- Birth control becomes safe, easy, and convenient
- Treat acne and helps in the regulation of periods
- Make periods less painful
- Reduce symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
Drug Interaction of Pregnancy Control Pills in Pakistan
When you take more than two drugs together, they can cause a reaction in the body. Sometimes the reaction is not obvious. But sometimes, it can cause adverse reactions. Therefore, it is better to consult your doctor before taking any other medicines along with birth control pills.
Some of the drugs that may interact with pregnancy control pills in Pakistan are as follows:
- Rifampin (Rifampicin)
- Modafinil (Provigil)
- Carbamazepine
- Barbiturates
- HIV drugs
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Antifungals
- Antibiotics
- Some epilepsy Medicines
On the other hand, if you want to learn about Birth Control Pills Side Effects, then you can watch this video by Dr. Somia Sabeeh Awan – Gynecologist.
Final Words
Many people hesitate to talk about birth control pills. However, they are essential to avoid pregnancy and treat many reproductive issues.
Birth control pills in Pakistan are easily accessible and safe to use.
However, you need to have a prescription from a doctor to buy these birth control pills in Pakistan. Moreover, you can get them from any drugstore or pharmacy.
Suppose you’ve any questions or reproductive issues and want to know how to use a particular contraceptive pill. In that case, you can book an in-clinic appointment or video consultation with the best gynecologist in Pakistan via Marham.pk.
Moreover, you can also book an appointment via Marham’s application or by calling us at 03111222398.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the 72-hour pill in Pakistan?
Currently, two 0.75 mg doses of Levonorgestrel are licensed for use within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse in Pakistan.
2. Which pills avoid pregnancy after 21 days?
i-pill daily is an oral birth control pill used to prevent unplanned pregnancy. It should be taken daily for 21 days starting on the 5th day of the menstrual cycle.
3. What is the most safe birth control?
The safest birth control methods are implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs). They are foolproof and convenient to use. Other birth control methods such as birth control pills, patches, etc are also good at avoiding pregnancy only if used accurately.