Additional Information

What Is Plan B?

Plan B One-Step is an emergency contraceptive pill designed to help prevent pregnancy after you have unprotected sex or in the event of a birth control failure, such as a condom breaking. It is sometimes referred to as a morning after pill.

How Does Plan B Work?

Plan B contains a single, highly concentrated dose of levonorgestrel, the same hormone used in many daily birth control pills, which helps to prevent pregnancy. Plan B works by delaying or preventing the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). It is thought that Plan B may also work by helping to prevent the fertilization of an egg, or by preventing implantation in the uterine wall.

How Effective Is Plan B?

Plan B can help to significantly decrease the chances of you becoming pregnant when used as directed. Approximately 7 out of every 8 women who would have become pregnant will not become pregnant after taking Plan B.

When to Take Plan B

Plan B must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex or a birth control failure in order to be effective. It is best to take it as soon as possible, because Plan B is more effective the sooner you take it.

How Late Can You Take Plan B?

Plan B can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex or a birth control failure. Because Plan B is more effective the sooner you take it, it is a good idea to take Plan B as soon as you can following unprotected sex or a birth control failure.

How Often Can You Take Plan B?

You can take Plan B as often as you need emergency contraception. However, you should not use Plan B as a regular birth control method, because it is not as effective. If you find that you need to use Plan B frequently, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about switching to a different method of regular birth control.

Is Plan B Abortion?

Plan B is not an abortion pill. Plan B will not cause an abortion and will not affect an existing pregnancy.

Is Plan B Safe?

When used as directed, Plan B is generally safe. However, some women may experience side effects after taking Plan B.

What Are Possible Plan B Side Effects?

Possible side effects of Plan B include:

changes in your period, such as a period that comes earlier or later, or a flow that is heavier or lighter than usual
nausea, dizziness, or vomiting
lower abdominal cramps
tiredness
headache
breast tenderness

These side effects are generally not dangerous. However, if you have severe pain, especially severe abdominal pain, you should see your doctor right away. You could have an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention.

Is Plan B Over the Counter?

Yes, Plan B is available over the counter. You do not need a prescription or an ID to buy Plan B. You should also know that there are no age restrictions for purchasing Plan B.

How Much Does Plan B Cost?

Plan B typically costs between $40.00 - $50.00. In some cases, you may be able to apply coupon savings to lower your cost.

Where to Buy Plan B

You can buy Plan B at your local CVS or online. Look for it in the family planning aisle or ask your pharmacist if you don't see any on the shelf. You do not need an ID or a prescription to purchase Plan B, but it is sometimes stocked behind the counter.

Is There Anything Else I Should Know?

Plan B is generally safe and effective, but if you have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. If you vomit within 2 hours after taking a dose of Plan B, you should call your healthcare provider to find out if it is necessary to repeat the dose. In some cases, certain drugs or herbal supplements may decrease the effectiveness of Plan B. If you are taking any of the following, you should consult your doctor before taking Plan B: barbiturates, bosentan, carbamazepine, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxacarbazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John's Wort, topiramate, and certain HIV/AIDS medications.

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