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Plan B is the only FDA-approved progestin-only emergency contraceptive for use to prevent pregnancy after a contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse. Plan B is an emergency contraceptive indicated for the prevention of pregnancy within 72 hours following contraceptive failure, sexual assault or unprotected intercourse, although according to Princeton University, research indicates that it can be effective within 120 hours. The original Plan B consists of two 0.75 mg levonorgestrel tablets, and women used to be directed to take them 12 hours apart. The newer Plan B One-Step consists of one 1.5 mg pill.
Availability
Plan B is available to adults 18 and older without a prescription, directly from a pharmacy. In some states, minors can also obtain Plan B directly from a pharmacy, but at the time of publication most states require minors to obtain a prescription for Plan B from a health care provider.
Action
Similar to other oral contraceptives, Plan B works by preventing ovulation or fertilization; it may also inhibit implantation. Once implantation takes place, Plan B is not effective. In other words, Plan B will not work if a woman is already pregnant, although it is not believed to cause birth defects, according to Princeton University. Whichever version of Plan B you obtain, the older two-pill form or the newer One-Step, it is most effective if you take it as soon as possible after intercourse.
Safety and Effectiveness
Plan B has been shown to reduce the risk of pregnancy by 88 percent when taken within 72 hours. It is more effective when taken in the first 24 hours after intercourse. When used as directed, Plan B is safe for most women. The most common side effects associated with Plan B are nausea, abdominal pain, menstrual changes, dizziness, breast tenderness and vomiting. Women may experience menstrual changes after taking Plan B. In some cases, their next periods may be heavier or lighter, earlier or later. It is important for women to consult a health care professional if their scheduled period is more than one week late or if they experience severe abdominal pain.
Considerations
Women who are pregnant, have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding or have an allergy to the product should not use Plan B. Plan B is not a substitute for a primary birth control method. It is intended to be used in emergencies only. Plan B, like other oral contraceptives, does not protect against HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases.
