Side Effects of the Morning After Pill

The "Morning After" pill is the common name for the emergency contraceptive known as Plan B. This contraceptive can be used for up to 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. The pill works by using a high level of hormones (the kind found in regular birth control) to stop an egg from leaving the ovaries or the fallopian tubes and implanting in the uterus. Although this pill is generally safe and effective, there are possible side effects that may affect some women.

Irregular Bleeding

According to All Womens of New York, one of the most common side effects of Plan B is irregular bleeding. After taking the pill, your period may be heavier of lighter than usual, or it may come earlier or later than normally expected. Usually, a woman will get her period 7 to 9 days after using Plan B. If you do not get your period within 21 days of taking the contraceptive, see a doctor and take a pregnancy test.

Nausea

Also according to All Womens of New York and Planbonestep.com, more than 50 percent of the women taking Plan B will experience some degree of nausea. The best way to fight this is to take the pill with food. Although this side effect can be debilitating, vomiting is an indication that the hormones have reached the blood stream in the correct dose. If this occurs, no second dose is necessary.

Ectopic Pregnancy and Other Side Effects

PlanBOneStep.com and All Womens of New York both caution against ectopic pregnancy. Because Plan B stops an egg from entering the uterus, it is possible that the egg may get stuck in the fallopian tube and begin to develop there.

Fwhc.org warns against other possible side effects including tenderness in the breasts, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea and abdominal pain. These side effects should be short, as this therapy takes a relatively small amount of time. Should any of these symptoms endure, consult a physician.