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levonorgestrel

Generic Plan B One-Step
Used for Emergency Contraceptive
Used for Emergency Contraceptive

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).

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Christina Aungst, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 29, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsPricesMedicare
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What is Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step)?

03:51
Featuring Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD
Reviewed by Cydnee Ng, PharmD, Alexandra Schwarz, MD | July 31, 2024

What is Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) used for?

  • Emergency contraception

How Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) works

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.

Are you looking for information on Ella (ulipristal tablet) or Mirena (levonorgestrel IUD) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPlan B One-Step, Take Action, My Choice, Next Choice, Aftera
Drug ClassEmergency contraceptive
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$22.870
GoodRx discount
$22.87
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What are the side effects of Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step)?

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.

Common Side Effects

  • Next period is heavier than usual (31%)
  • Nausea (14%)
  • Lower stomach pain (13%)
  • Tiredness (13%)
  • Headache (10%)

Other Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Breast tenderness
  • Next period is late by up to 7 days

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe, unexplainable pelvic pain along with unusual vaginal bleeding (possible sign of an ectopic pregnancy)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

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):

  • Breast pain or tenderness
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step)

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Pros

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

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Cons

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)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step)

pharmacist

  • 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.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step)

                What are the chances that levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) will fail?
                Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) is about 87% effective, meaning that 13% of people (about 1 out of 8) will still get pregnant afterwards.
                Is levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) available over-the-counter?
                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.
                Does bleeding after levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) mean it worked?
                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.
                Is it normal for my period to be late after taking levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step)?
                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.
                Should I take 2 levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) pills?
                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.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step)?

                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.

                risk-warning

                Ectopic pregnancy

                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-warning

                Don't take if already pregnant

                • 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.

                  risk-warning

                  Sexually transmitted infections

                  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

                  Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 tablet of 1.5mg of Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) is $39.25 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 21.27% off the average retail price of $49.85.
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  1.5mg1 tablet$39.25$39.25

                  Typical dosing for Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step)

                  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.

                  drug-cost

                  How much does Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Plan B One-Step (brand)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $39.25

                  (save 21.27%)
                  Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) (generic)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $22.87

                  0
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                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step)
                  Used for:

                  • Emergency contraception

                  $22.87 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Ella (ulipristal)
                  Used for:

                  • Emergency contraception

                  $43.42 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  latest news

                  What is the latest news about Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step)?

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