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.
