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.
