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What is Plan B®?
Plan B® (levonorgestrel) is emergency contraception. Emergency contraception is a backup method to birth control for preventing pregnancy. It is not for routine use. Plan B® can reduce your chance of pregnancy after a contraceptive fails or after unprotected sex. It is in the form of two tablets that contain the hormone levonorgestrel, a hormone found in many oral contraceptives or birth control pills. However, Plan B® contains a larger dose of levonorgestrel compared to birth control pills.
How does Plan B® work?
Plan B® works like a birth control pill to prevent pregnancy mainly by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. It may also work by preventing fertilization of an egg or by preventing the attachment of an egg to the uterus or womb. It will have no effect on a fertilized egg that is already attached to the womb. It is not RU-486 or the abortion pill and will not affect a pregnancy that is already present.
Are there side effects?
The FDA approved hormone levonorgestrel has been used safely for over 35 years. Side effects to Plan B® are similar to those seen with lower doses used in birth control pills. Possible side effects include nausea or upset stomach, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, and breast tenderness. Taking Plan B® may result in your period being heavier or lighter, as well as earlier or later than your normal cycle. If your period is delayed more than one week, pregnancy should be considered. It is important to remember that this medication does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases like HIV or AIDS.
How is Plan B® taken?
Plan B® consists of two tablets to be taken as followed:
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Take the first tablet as soon as possible with 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex or after contraceptive failure.
Take the second tablet 12 hours after you take the first tablet.
Taking Plan B® as directed can reduced the risk for pregnancy by up to 89% and is more effective the sooner you take it.
Plan B® is over-the-counter
Plan B® has previously been available by prescription only, but it was recently approved as an over-the-counter medication for individuals 18 years and over. Anyone 17 years or younger is still required to have a prescription before it can be dispensed. It is only available behind a pharmacy counter, and personal identification showing proof of age is required before a pharmacist may sell the medication. National distribution of the product with appropriate over-the-counter labeling began on November 6, 2006; therefore, it should now be available in most pharmacies.
Be sure to ask your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions about Plan B® or for more information visit www.go2planB.com. It is important to remember that Plan B® should not be used as a routine method of birth control and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases including HIV or AIDS.
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