Indications
Plan B is a brand name for a type of emergency contraception that contains levonorgestrel. It is commonly known as the morning-after pill and is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a condom breaking. Plan B contains a higher dose of levonorgestrel than regular birth control pills, and it works by preventing ovulation or fertilization. It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex but can be used up to 72 hours later.
Plan B is not intended to be used as a primary method of birth control and should only be used in emergencies. It is available over the counter in most places but consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about using Plan B or any other form of contraception.
Uses and Dosage
Plan B emergency contraceptive (Levonorgestrel) is intended for use as a backup method of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The tablet is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, however, it can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after intercourse. The tablet is a single, progestin-only dose of 0.75 mg of Levonorgestrel.
Here is how to take Plan B Emergency Contraceptive:
- Take the tablet as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
- Take the entire pill with water. It does not matter if you have eaten or not.
- If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, consult your healthcare provider, as you may need to take another dose.
- If you experience vaginal bleeding, consult your healthcare provider as this may not be a side effect but rather a sign that your period has started or may be about to start.
Plan B emergency contraceptive (Levonorgestrel) does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and should not be used as a regular form of birth control.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Plan B Emergency Contraceptive (Levonorgestrel):
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- breast pain or tenderness
- Changes in menstrual periods
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Plan B Emergency Contraceptive (Levonorgestrel):
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Mental/mood changes such as depression
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Severe chest pain or discomfort
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Severe headache
- Sudden blurred vision or vision changes
- Swelling or pain in the leg
Form and Strength
Plan B Emergency Contraceptive (Levonorgestrel) is available in the following forms and strength:
Plan b emergency contraceptive: Tablet
- 1.5mg
Caution
- Plan B is intended for emergency use only and is not a replacement for regular birth control methods.
- Plan B can have side effects, including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, and changes in menstrual bleeding patterns.
- Plan B may not be as effective for women with a body mass index (BMI) over 25.
- Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Plan B should not be used by women who are already pregnant.
- Women who experience severe abdominal pain or heavy bleeding after taking Plan B should seek medical attention.
- Women who have experienced an allergic reaction to levonorgestrel in the past should not take Plan B.
- Taking Plan B may cause changes to the menstrual cycle, including earlier or later periods or irregular bleeding.
- Plan B should not be taken by women with certain medical conditions, including liver disease, certain types of cancer, or a history of blood clots.
- Plan B may interact with certain medications, so it is important to disclose all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies to a healthcare provider before taking Plan B.
- Women who are breastfeeding should wait at least 6 hours after taking Plan B before resuming breastfeeding.
- Plan B is not recommended for women under the age of 17 without a prescription.
- There is a small risk of ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus) associated with the use of emergency contraception. Women who experience severe abdominal pain after taking Plan B should seek medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How soon after unprotected sex should I take Plan B?
Plan B is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It is recommended that it be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex, but it can still be effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after.
Will Plan B protect me from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
No, emergency contraception like Plan B does not protect against STIs. Use barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, to protect against STIs.
Can I take Plan B if I am already pregnant?
No, emergency contraception like Plan B is not effective if a woman is already pregnant.
Does taking Plan B make it more difficult to get pregnant in the future?
No, taking Plan B should not affect a woman's fertility or ability to become pregnant in the future.
Can I take Plan B while on birth control?
Yes, Plan B can be taken while on birth control, but it is not intended to be a regular form of birth control.
Resources
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730
- https://www.planbonestep.com/
- https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception/whats-plan-b-morning-after-pill
- https://www.rxlist.com/plan-b-side-effects-drug-center.htm
- https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/plan-b
- https://edition.cnn.com/2022/12/23/health/fda-plan-b-label-abortion/index.html
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