The following information is a summary about Levonorgestrel. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.

Plan B® (Levonorgestrel)is a newly developed emergency contraception/contraceptive.

Emergency contraception is a backup method for preventing pregnancy and is not for routine use. Plan B® can reduce your chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex by 86% if taken within 72 hours.

How does Plan B (Levonorgestrel) work?

Plan B® works like a regular birth control pill. It prevents pregnancy mainly by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary, and may also prevent the fertilization of an egg (the uniting of sperm with the egg). Plan B® may also work by preventing it from attaching to the uterus (womb). It is important to know that Plan B® will not affect a fertilized egg already attached to the uterus; it will not affect an existing pregnancy.

Plan B® is approved by the FDA and contains the hormone estradiol ethinyl levonorgestrel, the same hormone in the birth control pills that healthcare professionals have been prescribing for more than 35 years. The difference is that Plan B® contains a larger dose of estradiol ethinyl levonorgestrel than the amount found in a single birth control pill.

How do you use Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Birth Control?

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) is easy to take—there are only 2 tablets

• Take the first tablet as soon as possible within 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex.
  
  
• Take the second tablet 12 hours after you take the first tablet.

That’s it. When you take Plan B® as directed, you reduce your risk for pregnancy by up to 89%. And the sooner you take it, the more effective it is.

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Birth Control precautions

Plan B® should not be used:

• If you are already pregnant, because Plan B® will not work
• If you are allergic to levonorgestrel or any of the ingredients in Plan B®
• If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been evaluated by a healthcare professional
• In place of regular birth control

Plan B® will not affect an existing pregnancy.

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) side effects

When used as directed, Plan B® is safe for most women. There have been no serious complications associated with Plan B®. Some women will experience non-serious side effects, such as nausea, abdominal pain, tiredness, headache, dizziness, or breast tenderness. These are similar to the side effects of regular birth control pills. However, if you should vomit within 1 hour of taking either Plan B® tablet, call your healthcare professional to see if you should repeat the dose.

Some women may have menstrual changes after taking Plan B®. For example, you may experience spotting or bleeding before your next period. Or your next period may be heavier or lighter, earlier or later. If your menstrual period is delayed beyond 1 week, you may be pregnant.