Plan B

Plan B

Generic Name: levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive (LEE voe nor jes trel)

Brand Names: Next Choice, Plan B

What is Plan B?

Levonorgestrel is a female hormone that prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). Plan B also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Plan B is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or failure of other forms of birth control (such as condom breakage, or missing 2 or more birth control pills).

Plan B may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Plan B

Do not use Plan B if you are already pregnant. Plan B will not terminate a pregnancy that has already begun (the fertilized egg has attached to the uterus). Plan B is not intended for use as a routine form of birth control and should not be used in this manner. Talk with your doctor about the many forms of birth control available. Do not give Plan B to anyone younger than 17 years old. Contact a doctor for medical advice.

Before taking Plan B

Plan B is not intended for use as a routine form of birth control and should not be used in this manner. Talk with your doctor about the many forms of birth control available. Do not use Plan B if you are already pregnant. Plan B will not terminate a pregnancy that has already begun (the fertilized egg has attached to the uterus).

Before using Plan B, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have diabetes. You may not be able to use Plan B, or you may need special tests during treatment.

Levonorgestrel can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Plan B without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give Plan B to anyone younger than 17 years old. Contact a doctor for medical advice.

How should I take Plan B?

Use Plan B exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

The first dose of Plan B must be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex (no later than 72 hours afterward). The second dose must be taken 12 hours after the first dose. The timing of these doses is very important for Plan B to be effective.

Call your doctor right away if you vomit within 1 hour after taking either dose of Plan B. Do not take another dose until you talk with your doctor.

You should be examined by your doctor within 3 weeks after taking Plan B. The doctor will need to confirm that you are not pregnant and that Plan B has not caused any harmful effects.

If your period is late by 1 week or longer after the expected date, you may be pregnant. Get a pregnancy test and contact your doctor if you are pregnant. Plan B will not terminate a pregnancy that has already begun (the fertilized egg has attached to the uterus).

Store Plan B at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Plan B dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Missing a dose of Plan B increases your risk of being pregnant.

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Plan B. The timing of these doses is very important for Plan B to be effective.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea and vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking Plan B?

Plan B will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases. Avoid having unprotected sex.

Plan B side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Plan B: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have severe pain in your lower stomach or side. This could be a sign of a tubal pregnancy (a pregnancy that implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus). A tubal pregnancy is a medical emergency.

Less serious Plan B side effects may include:

nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain;

breast pain or tenderness;

dizziness, tired feeling;

changes in your menstrual periods; or

headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Plan B side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Plan B?

Before using Plan B, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane);

a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); or

seizure medicines such as phenytoin (Dilantin), or carbamazepine (Tegretol).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can affect Plan B. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Plan B resources

Plan B Side Effects (in More Detail)

Plan B Dosage

Plan B Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Plan B Drug Interactions

Plan B Support Group

9 Reviews for Plan B - Add your own review/rating

Plan B Prescribing Information (FDA)

Plan B Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Plan B MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Levonorgestrel Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Mirena Prescribing Information (FDA)

Mirena IUD MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Mirena Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Next Choice Prescribing Information (FDA)

Plan B One-Step Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Plan B One-Step MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Plan B with other medications

Emergency Contraception

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Plan B.