What is Plan B?
Plan B is an emergency contraceptive that can be used to prevent pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure (i.e., a broken condom). To obtain optimal efficacy, the first tablet should be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours of intercourse. The second tablet must be taken 12 hours later. See ordering information below.

Is Plan B safe?
When used as directed, Plan B is safe for most women. There have been no serious complications associated with Plan B. Common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and menstrual changes. Women who are pregnant, have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, or have an allergy to the product should not use Plan B. Plan B cannot terminate an established pregnancy.

How effective is Plan B?
Taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, Plan B can, when used correctly, reduce the risk of pregnancy by 89 percent after a single act of unprotected sex. Effectiveness declines as the interval between intercourse and the start of treatment increases.

Dosage and administration?
Each Plan B packet includes a single course of treatment and consists of two tablets; each tablet contains 0.75 mg levonorgestrel. The first tablet should be taken orally as soon as possible within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected intercourse. The second tablet must be taken 12 hours later. Plan B is not a substitute for routine methods of birth control. Plan B does not provide protection from HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections.

How important is the timing of treatment to efficacy?
The sooner Plan B is taken after unprotected intercourse, the more effective it is. Effectiveness of Plan B declines as the interval between intercourse and the start of treatment increases. The decline in efficacy from a delay in treatment is why a broad range of health professionals believe that barriers to more timely access to Plan B should be removed, including making the product broadly available without prescription.

Learn more at Plan B News.


About the Author
J. Ratliff is an avid article writer for health topics.