Details
Plan B One-Step® emergency contraception is a backup plan that helps to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. Use as directed.
- Plan B One-Step® helps prevent pregnancy when used as directed within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or birth control failure. The sooner you take it, the better it works
- It's the #1 OB/GYN recommended brand* of emergency contraception used by millions of women1,2
- When used as directed, it can significantly decrease the chance that you will get pregnant. About 7 out of every 8 women who would have gotten pregnant will not become pregnant after taking Plan B One-Step®
- It's generally safe and effective when used as directed
- Plan B One-Step® will not work if you are already pregnant and won't affect an existing pregnancy
- Plan B One-Step® contains levonorgestrel, the same hormone used in many birth control pills for several decades, just at a higher dose. Its a backup plan and should not be used as regular birth control because it is not as effective
- Find it in the aisle. There is no prescription or ID required, and there is no age restriction
- Plan B One-Step® does not protect you against HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
*Survey of 1000 OB/GYNs, February 2016.
References: 1. Market research, February 2016. Teva Women's Health, Inc. 2. FDA drug use review, December 2011. www.fda.gov.
Plan B Ingredients
Active ingredient: levonorgestrel 1.5 mg
Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, potato starch, talc
Plan B One-Step® is a single pill taken by mouth. Use as directed within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or birth control failure. The sooner it's taken, the better it works.
If you vomit within 2 hours after taking the medication, call a healthcare professional to find out if you should repeat the dose.
Warnings
Allergy alert: Do not use Plan B One-Step® if you have ever had an allergic reaction to levonorgestrel or any other ingredients in Plan B One-Step®.
Do not use:
- if you are already pregnant, because it will not work
- in place of regular birth control, as it is not as effective
Some women may experience side effects, which may include:
- changes in your period or spotting
- nausea
- lower abdominal cramps
- tiredness
- headache
- dizziness
- breast tenderness
- vomiting
Some women taking Plan B One-Step® may have changes in their period such as spotting or bleeding before their next period.
If your period is more than a week late, it is possible you may be pregnant. You should get a pregnancy test and follow up with your healthcare professional.
If you should experience severe abdominal pain, you should get immediate medical attention.
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control center right away (1-800-222-1222).
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Questions & Answers
Additional Information
What Is Plan B?
How Does Plan B Work?
How Effective Is 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.