GENERIC NAME: LEVONORGESTREL - ORAL (lee-voh-nor-JEST-rell)
BRAND NAME(S): Plan B
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to help prevent pregnancy in women who have had unprotected sex (intercourse) or suspect a failure in their current form of birth control (e.g., broken condom). It is not intended to be used for routine birth control and will not stop an existing pregnancy (abortion).
HOW TO USE: Take one tablet of this medication by mouth as soon a possible, but within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected intercourse. Take the second tablet by mouth 12 hours after taking the first dose. However, your doctor may instruct you to take this medication a different way. Please follow the directions provided by your doctor closely. This medication can be used at any time during your menstrual cycle. If you vomit within one hour of taking either dose of this medication, contact your doctor to discuss whether to repeat the dose.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, breast tenderness, tiredness and weakness, headache, menstrual changes, and diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: low stomach/abdominal pain If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: diabetes, possible pregnancy, unusual vaginal bleeding, allergies (especially to birth control pills). Tell your doctor if your normal menstrual period is late by at least 1 week. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Contraceptive Measures after Unprotected Sex - Birth control options after unprotected sex include the morning after pill and emergency IUD.
- Pregnancy Planning - The goals of pregnancy planning are to create a healthy environment for the fetus and to prevent birth defects and other pregnancy related problems.
- Birth Control - There are a number of different methods of birth control to include: barrier methods, IUDs, hormonal methods, natural methods, and surgical sterilization. No birth control method, except abstinence, is considered to be 100% effective.
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