Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Plan B

Birth Control (Types and Options) »

Introduction to birth control types and options

If a woman is sexually active and she is fertile — physically able to become pregnant — she needs to ask herself, "Do I want to become pregnant now?" If her answer is "No," she must use some method of birth control (contraception).

If a woman does not want to get pregnant at this point in her life, does she plan to become pregnant in the future? Soon? Much later? Never? Her answers to these questions can determine the method of birth control that she and her male sexual partner use — now and in the future.

There are a number of different ways to describe birth control. Terms include contraception, pregnancy prevention, fertility control, and family planning. But no matter what the process is called, sexually active people can choose from a plethora of methods to reduce the possibility of their becoming pregnant. Nevertheless, no method of birth control av...

Read the Birth Control (Types and Options) article »

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Plan B

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Plan B Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

LEVONORGESTREL - ORAL

(lee-voh-nor-JEST-rell)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Plan B

USES: This medication is used in women to prevent pregnancy after birth control failure (e.g., broken condom) or unprotected sex. It is a progestin hormone that prevents pregnancy by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) and changing the womb and cervical mucus to make it more difficult for an egg to meet sperm (fertilization) or attach to the wall of the womb (implantation).

Using this medication will not stop an existing pregnancy or protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia).

This medication should not be used as a regular form of birth control.

HOW TO USE: Take 1 tablet by mouth as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Take the second tablet by mouth 12 hours after taking the first dose. This medication may be taken with or without food. This medication works best when it is taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. In some cases, your doctor may instruct you to take both tablets at once. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you vomit within 1 hour of taking either dose of the medication, contact your doctor to discuss whether you need to repeat the dose.

The amount and timing of your period may be irregular after taking this medication. Notify your doctor immediately if your period is more than 7 days late. You may need to take a pregnancy test.