Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) works well to prevent pregnancy up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but it won't stop a pregnancy that has already started and won't protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) is a progestin. It works to prevent pregnancy by temporarily stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg, by making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus, and by preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in your uterus.
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) is about 87% effective, meaning that 13% of people (about 1 out of 8) will still get pregnant afterwards.
Yes. In the United States, levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) is available over-the-counter. There are no age restrictions, and you don't need to show a form of identification (ID) to buy it. It's usually found in the family planning sections of pharmacies and other stores.
While spotting or breakthrough bleeding is a common side effect of levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step), this doesn't mean it definitely worked. Some people actually experience bleeding when a fertilized egg implants in their uterus (implantation bleeding). You will know levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) works when you get your next period or if you get a negative pregnancy test after your period was supposed to start.
Yes. A late period is a possible side effect of levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step). Your period might even be up to a week late. If your period is over a week late, you should take a pregnancy test.
No. One levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) tablet is all you need for it to work. Taking more than that at a single time won't make it work better and will raise your risk of side effects. But, there are no limits to how many doses you can take in a single menstrual cycle. You can take one dose of levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) each time you have unprotected sex.
Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Ectopic pregnancies happen when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than your uterus. They are very rare, but can be life-threatening and sometimes need to be treated with surgery. Progestin-only contraception, including levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step), slightly raise your risk of ectopic pregnancies. Because levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) is only a single pill, your risk of this problem should stay low. If you experience unexplained or severe pelvic pain along with unusual vaginal bleeding between when you took this medication and your next period, let your provider know. If you do become pregnant after taking levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step), make sure you tell your provider you took this medication so they can check to make sure it is not an ectopic pregnancy.
Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) only helps prevent a pregnancy after unprotected sex. It doesn't stop a pregnancy that has already started. If you want to terminate a pregnancy, please speak with your provider. This is not a safe or good option for ending a pregnancy.
Most birth control options, including emergency contraception like levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step), don't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV. Condoms must be used to help protect you. Please tell your provider if you have had barrier-free sex and are worried about whether you might have gotten an STI.
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5mg | 1 tablet | $12.27 | $12.27 |
A package of levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) contains a single tablet. Take the tablet within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner after sex you take it, the more effective it will be.