Brand Names: Next Choice, Plan B, Plan B One-Step

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

• What is levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive (Plan B One-Step)?
• What are the possible side effects of levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive (Plan B One-Step)?
• What is the most important information I should know about levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive (Plan B One-Step)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive (Plan B One-Step)?
• How should I take levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive (Plan B One-Step)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Plan B One-Step)?
• What happens if I overdose (Plan B One-Step)?
• What should I avoid while taking levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive (Plan B One-Step)?
• What other drugs will affect levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive (Plan B One-Step)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive (Plan B One-Step)?

Levonorgestrel is a female hormone that prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication 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.

Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive 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).

Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive (Plan B One-Step)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: 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 side effects may include:

• nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain;
• dizziness, tired feeling;
• breast pain or tenderness;
• 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.

Read the Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel tablet) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive (Plan B One-Step)?

Do not use this medication if you are already pregnant. Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive will not terminate a pregnancy that has already begun (the fertilized egg has attached to the uterus).

Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive 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 this medication to anyone younger than 17 years old. Contact a doctor for medical advice.