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).
Emergency contraception
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.
Source: DailyMed
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):
Works with a single pill
Anyone of any age can buy it
Has mild and quick-passing side effects for most people
Available over-the-counter with affordable generics available
Can cause breakthrough bleeding or a late period
Must be taken within 3 days of unprotected sex to work
Won't stop an unwanted pregnancy that's already started
Doesn't protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
You can take levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) with or without food at any time. Nausea is a possible side effect, so if you tend to be sensitive to medications, taking this medication with food can help lessen the nausea.
You must take levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) within 72 hours (3 days) from the time you have unprotected sex. The sooner you take it afterwards, the better it will work.
If you vomit within 2 hours of taking levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step), contact your healthcare provider. You might have to take another dose of this medication.
You don't need a prescription to purchase levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step), and there are no age restrictions to buy it. It should be located in the family planning section of the pharmacy or store you're buying it from.
You can take levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) if you're breastfeeding. This medication is not known to be harmful to your baby, but some people do notice a temporary drop in milk supply after taking it.
Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) doesn't replace regular birth control. Birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, the depo shot, IUDs, and the implant are all more effective than this medication. Consider other reliable options instead of using levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) as your only method of contraception.
Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) doesn't protect you from HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Only abstinence and condoms can help prevent you from getting STIs. Talk to your provider right away if this is a concern for you.
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.
Risk factors: Pregnant
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 | $38.37 | $38.37 |
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.
Emergency contraception
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