Emergency contraceptives sold in India may now carry four additional warnings to educate women about their use and after-effects.The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) has proposed changes to the Drugs Rules, …

Emergency contraceptives sold in India may now carry four additional warnings to educate women about their use and after-effects.The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) has proposed changes to the Drugs Rules, 1945, to bring levonorgestrel tablets of 0.75 mg and 1.5 mg under Schedule K with mandatory warnings on their packaging and package inserts.The draft notification, issued as G.S.R. 792(E), was published by the Health Ministry on September 3. Meanwhile, the government has invited objections and suggestions for 30 days before considering the draft for final notification.​Under the proposed amendments for levonorgestrel Tablets 0.75mg/1.5mg, the health ministry has proposed to highlight that emergency contraceptive pills are supposed to be taken only in emergencies, as their frequent use can cause side effects. Moreover, it is not an abortion pill. In the latest warning, the government aims to break a myth by clearly stating that it does not protect from HIV or any other sexually transmitted infections.  Tamil Nadu could incentivise couples for more children: Health Minister ArunrajThese amendments are a result of a continued debate that has lasted for several years. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), in its 67th committee meeting, dated November 17, 2025, also considered that the earlier mentioned warnings must be highlighted on the packaging. The committee agreed that levonorgestrel tablets of 0.75 mg and 1.5 mg should be included as a new entry under Schedule K.The drug committee also advised that it should not be consumed more than twice a month. Moreover, women should use these contraceptives after consulting with a registered medical practitioner.In the 67th meeting, the Drugs Technical Advisory Board also suggested moving the contraceptive pill from Schedule K to Schedule H, which would have made it a prescription medicine. However, the department decided to retain it under the Schedule K category while introducing clearer warnings and usage instructions.Subsequently, the matter was taken up by the health ministry, and the current amendments were proposed in early September.

Source: Deccan Herald