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1. What is emergency contraception (EC)? 2. What is Plan B®? 3. How does Plan B® work? 4. When was Plan B® approved? 5. Is Plan B® RU-486 (the abortion pill)? 6. What if a patient is already pregnant when she takes Plan B®? 7. Where can I get clinical information about Plan B®? 8. Where can I get patient education materials about Plan B®? 1. What is emergency contraception (EC)? There are many misperceptions about EC and how it works. Simply put, EC is a backup option to help prevent an unplanned pregnancy after contraceptive failure, unprotected intercourse, or sexual assault. 2. What is Plan B®? Plan B® is the only FDA-approved emergency contraception currently available. Levonorgestrel is well trusted and has been commonly used in many birth control pills for over 35 years. When taken as directed within 72 hours after contraceptive failure, unprotected intercourse, or sexual assault, Plan B® reduces the chance of pregnancy by up to 89%. 3. How does Plan B® work? Emergency contraception is similar to a birth control pill, and is believed to act by:
EC is not effective once the process of implantation has begun. It will not affect an existing pregnancy or harm a developing fetus. 4. When was Plan B® approved? Plan B® was first approved by the FDA for prescription use in July 1999. In August 2006, Plan B® was approved for OTC use by consumers 18 years and older. Women 17 and younger still require a prescription. 5. Is Plan B® RU-486 (the abortion pill)? No. Plan B® is not RU-486 (the abortion pill). It is an emergency contraceptive (EC) that helps prevent an unplanned pregnancy after contraceptive failure, unprotected intercourse, or sexual assault. Plan B® will not affect an existing pregnancy. 6. What if a patient is already pregnant when she takes Plan B®? There is no medical evidence that Plan B® would harm a developing fetus. Many studies have found no effects on fetal development associated with long-term use of progestin-only contraceptive pills (POPs). The few studies of infant growth and development that have been conducted with POPs have not demonstrated significant adverse effects. 7. Where can I get clinical information about Plan B®? You may call the Plan B® Information Center toll-free number: 1-800-330-1271. 8. Where can I get patient education materials about Plan B®? You can order patient education materials through the Plan B® Information Center by calling the toll-free number: 1-800-330-1271. Or you can download them from the Information and Support section of this website. |
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| Important Safety Information: | For more information about Plan B®, call 1-800-330-1271 |
Important Safety Information: Plan B® is indicated to prevent pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. Plan B® is contraindicated in women with known or suspected pregnancy, hypersensitivity to any component of the product. Plan B® is not recommended for routine use as a contraceptive, because it isn't as effective. Plan B® is not effective in terminating an existing pregnancy. Plan B® does not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Menstrual bleeding may be heavier or lighter, earlier or later after taking Plan B®. If menses is delayed beyond one week, the patient may be pregnant. Severe abdominal pain may signal a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy. Common side effects associated with the use of Plan B® include nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, menstrual changes, dizziness, breast tenderness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your patients are encouraged to report any negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. |
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