Is Plan B Sold Over the Counter?

Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) — often referred to as Plan B or “the morning after pill” — is a well-known emergency contraceptive. If taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, it can lower the risk of pregnancy by up to 89%. Knowing where to buy Plan B is important. But knowing how to get cheap or free Plan B is often a more common question.

Is Plan B available for free?

Depending on how and where you obtain it, Plan B may be available for free or at a lower cost.

The best way to lower Plan B costs is to get a prescription for it. Under the Affordable Care Act, most private health insurance plans are required to fully cover emergency contraception. If you don’t have insurance, filling Plan B as a prescription also allows you to use a GoodRx coupon. With GoodRx, you can get a generic version of Plan B for as low as $12.27 at certain pharmacies.

But a prescription isn’t necessary to buy this emergency contraceptive. Plan B is available over the counter (OTC) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. If you’re buying Plan B OTC, it’s best to look for generic versions. They’ll save you money and contain the same active ingredient. Common generic names include Take Action, Aftera, and Econtra EZ.

Where can I get Plan B for free?

There are ways to get Plan B for free. Reaching out to your local family planning center is the best place to start. Community health clinics, such as Planned Parenthood, often offer Plan B and other emergency contraceptives at lower costs. Sometimes, they can even provide them free of charge.

If you’re not sure where your nearest family planning center is, don’t fret. Check out the U.S. Office of Population Affairs’ family planning clinic locator. You can input your address or zip code and see which clinics are closest to you, along with the services they offer.

Where can I buy Plan B over the counter?

Plan B can be found at many local retailers, including:

• Pharmacies

• Grocery stores

• Big box retailers (such as Walmart, Target, etc)

Plan B is usually kept in the family planning sections of these stores, alongside items like condoms and spermicides. It doesn’t need to be kept behind a pharmacy counter, but some stores may choose to do so. Some retailers may also place it in security packaging to help prevent theft until you purchase it.

Plan B is also available for purchase online. You can buy it directly from Plan B’s official website. You can also search for it on retailers’ websites, as they typically offer online shopping as well.

And if you’re looking to fill Plan B under your prescription insurance plan, telehealth services like GoodRx Care allow you to connect with a healthcare provider. This provider can talk to you from the privacy of your home and get you set up with a prescription for Plan B. You can choose to fill it in person at a local pharmacy or have it shipped to you.

Cheap in-store Plan B options

As discussed earlier, choosing generic versions of Plan B can help you save money without compromising effectiveness. But there’s other tips to keep in mind when buying Plan B OTC:

• Save with a coupon from the manufacturer. If you're purchasing brand-name Plan B without a prescription, the manufacturer has a $10 coupon available to download and print from your computer. Just present it at the register during your purchase.

• Save with in-store sales. Be sure to check for weekly sales from local pharmacies and stores before making your purchase. Most big-name retailers provide digital copies of their weekly sales flyers online. You can also search for Plan B on their websites to see if any in-store discounts are available.

• Save with retailer rewards programs. Most pharmacies and retailers have loyalty programs that provide extra savings opportunities. CVS’ ExtraBucks Rewards, Walgreens’ Cash rewards, and Target Circle are a few examples. These types of programs are often free to sign up for.

• Save with a rebate. If you've already purchased brand-name Plan B without a prescription, you can still save money. By submitting a copy of your sales receipt to the manufacturer's website, you can receive a rebate in the mail.

How much does Plan B cost over the counter?

Brand-name Plan B can cost as much as $50 OTC in many locations. As mentioned above, looking for generic versions will help save you money. For example, Econtra EZ (a Plan B generic) can be found for less than $20 without a prescription.

Do I need an ID to buy Plan B?

No, you don’t need an ID to buy Plan B. There are no age restrictions for purchasing any OTC emergency contraceptive pills. This means that anyone of any age can buy Plan B or one of its generic versions. If someone is asking to see your ID while making an emergency contraceptive pill purchase, you should ask why it’s needed.

Can men buy Plan B?

Yes, people of all genders can buy Plan B OTC. Just like with other non-prescription family planning items, you don’t need to be the person taking it in order to purchase it. If you’re being refused a sale of OTC emergency contraceptive pills, ask if another person is available to sell them to you. There should be no restrictions on who is buying Plan B.

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Written by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

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