Women's Health

Plan B

How to Take Plan B or Plan B One-Step

Available in drugstores and health centers, Plan B or Plan B One-Step costs from $10 to $70. Because it is most effective when taken as soon as possible, consider having a ready supply in your medicine cabinet. If you are under 17, you will need to talk with your doctor about a prescription.

If you are taking Plan B, take one pill within 72 hours after unprotected sex and another pill 12 hours later.

If you are taking Plan B One-Step, take a single pill as soon as possible but within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

You can take Plan B or Plan B One-Step if:

• You didn't use any birth control.
• The condom came off or broke.
• The diaphragm slipped out of place.
• You missed at least two or three active birth control pills in a row.
• You forgot to insert your ring or apply your patch.
• Your partner didn't pull out in time.
• You have another reason to think your birth control might not have worked.
• You were forced to have sex.

Remember: Plan B or Plan B One-Step will not protect you from getting pregnant if you have sex after taking the pills. Instead, you need to take it right after you have unprotected sex.

Do not take Plan B or Plan B One-Step if:

• You know you are pregnant or suspect you might be.
• You have a history of allergy or hypersensitivity to its ingredients.
• You have a history of recent abnormal vaginal bleeding that your doctor has not yet evaluated.
  

Side Effects of Plan B or Plan B One-Step

Many women have taken emergency contraception without serious complications. But it's a good idea to ask your doctor about possible interactions with other medications.

Plan B or Plan B One-Step is considered safe for most women. You should not take it if you are pregnant; at this time, there is limited data on the safety of taking Plan B or Plan B One-Step while pregnant.

Potential side effects of Plan B or Plan B One-Step include:

• nausea
• abdominal pain
• fatigue
• headache
• menstrual changes
• dizziness
• breast tenderness
• vomiting
• diarrhea

Plan B or Plan B One-Step causes less nausea and vomiting than ECPs that contain both estrogen and progestin. And, you may be able to reduce any nausea or vomiting by taking the pill on a full stomach. Eating small, frequent meals over 24 hours may also help.

With Plan B or Plan B One-Step, you may also have some unexpected bleeding. It should go away by the time of your next period. However, it is possible that Plan B or Plan B One-Step may cause your next period to be heavier or lighter than usual. It may also come earlier or later than is normal for you. If you don't get your period within three weeks, get a pregnancy test to make sure you're not pregnant.