Plan B Morning After Pill

Q: What is Plan B?

A: Plan B (levonorgestrel) tablets of 0.75 milligrams is the only FDA-approved progestin-only emergency contraceptive for use to prevent pregnancy after a contraceptive failure (e.g., broken condom) or unprotected intercourse. Plan B is an emergency contraceptive indicated for the prevention of pregnancy within three days (72 hours) following contraceptive failure, sexual assault or unprotected intercourse. Plan B consists of two 0.75 milligram levonorgestrel tablets, an ingredient found in many traditional oral contraceptives.

Q: Where can women get Plan B?

A: Plan B is available to women of all ages by prescription through a health care provider. Women should talk to their health care provider and, if indicated, request an advance prescription for Plan B so it will be there for them – in time – if they ever need it. Plan B is also widely dispensed through clinics such as Planned Parenthood. Recognizing the importance of direct access to emergency contraception here in the United States, eight states currently allow certain licensed pharmacists to dispense Plan B directly to women. These states are Alaska, California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Washington.

Q: How does Plan B work?

A: Similar to other oral contraceptives, Plan B works by preventing ovulation or fertilization; it may also inhibit implantation. Once implantation begins, Plan B is not effective. Plan B will not work if a woman is already pregnant. The first tablet of Plan B should be taken orally as soon as possible within three days (72 hours) of a contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse. The second tablet should be taken 12 hours later.

Q: Is Plan B safe and effective?

A: Plan B has been shown to reduce the risk of pregnancy by 89 percent when taken within three days (72 hours) of a contraceptive failure. 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 effect associated with Plan B is nausea. 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.

Important Information:

--Women who are pregnant, have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding or have an allergy to the product should not use Plan B.

--There is no evidence that Plan B will harm a pregnant woman or a developing fetus.

--Plan B is not a substitute for a primary birth control method.

--Plan B, like oral contraceptives, does not protect against HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases.

--Common side effects associated with the use of Plan B included nausea, abdominal pain, menstrual changes, dizziness, breast tenderness and vomiting.