Plan B®: What Is Plan B®?

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Consumers | Prescribers | Pharmacists

Plan B^® is an emergency contraceptive that can prevent a pregnancy after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure, or sexual assault. If taken as directed within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex, Plan B^® reduces the chance of pregnancy by up to 89%. But the sooner you take it, the more effective it will be.

Plan B^® is safe and effective. Plan B^® is FDA-approved and contains levonorgestrel, the same ingredient found in many birth control pills. The difference is that Plan B^® is two pills taken 12 hours apart and uses a larger dose of levonorgestrel than a single birth control pill. And, unlike many birth control pills, Plan B^® doesn't contain any estrogen, only progestin.

Plan B^® isn't RU-486 (the abortion pill); it won't work if you're already pregnant, and it won't affect an existing pregnancy.
Plan B^® isn't regular birth control and should not be used that way. Plan B^® is not as effective as other methods of birth control used consistently and correctly. It's important to have another reliable source of birth control that's right for you. Plan B^® won't protect you from HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted disease (STD).

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Important Safety Information:

Plan B^® does not protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Plan B^® isn't effective if you're already pregnant, and it won't terminate an existing pregnancy. Side effects may include nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, changes in your period, dizziness, and breast tenderness. If your period is more than a week late, you may be pregnant. You should not take Plan B^® if you are already pregnant. Plan B^® should not be used as routine birth control, as it is not as effective. If you have severe abdominal pain, you may have an ectopic pregnancy, and should get immediate medical attention.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Prescribing Information to learn more.

For more information about Plan B^®, call 1-800-330-1271

Available without a prescription for consumers 18 and older. If you're 17 or younger, you'll need to see
a healthcare professional.