Drug Uses

Plan B is FDA-approved an emergency contraceptive pill, is also known as morning after pill that can still help prevent unwanted or unplanned pregnancy after contraceptive failure, unprotected sex or sexual assault. FDA has approved the sale of Plan B Pill over-the-counter (OTC) in August 2004. It should be taken within 72 hours i.e 3 days of unprotected sex to get the benefit of Plan B pills. Sooner it is taken is better. However, it is not the abortion pill and should not be taken if you are already pregnant. Plan B birth control pill does not protect against HIV infection or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

How Taken

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) contraceptive packet includes two tablets, each tablet is 0.75 mg.
Plan B Dose:
1. The first tablet must be taken orally as soon as possible within 3 days or 72 hours after the unprotected intercourse to get maximum effectiveness (95%).
2. Take the second tablet 12 hours after the first. Sooner is better because if you take first pills after 72 hours, it will lose the effectiveness but still be significant.
It may not be effective if you are already pregnant. Some women may have their period earlier or later than their normal menstrual cycle. If it is delayed more than a week, you may be pregnant. Plan B contraceptive pills do not protect sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or HIV/AIDS

Warnings/Precautions

Plan B (Levonorgestrel) drug interaction : Before taking Plan B (Levonorgestrel) emergency contraceptive pills, please consult your doctor an inform him or her the types of medical treatment you have taken so far including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements or herbal products. When Plan B is taken with other medicines, its effectiveness may be reduced considerably. Notify your doctor specially if you are taking the following
Barbiturates such as Amytal and Nembutal, among others
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
Plan B is not recommended to use if you are pregnant. It will not work. It is worth noticing here that Plan B is morning after pill and not abortion pill. Plan B passes through the breast milk. The hormone progestin do not appear to be harmful to baby, however it is advisable to take your doctor’s advice before taking Plan B if you are breast-feeding mother.

Possible Side Effects

Plan B is FDA-approved emergency contraceptive pill and safe for women’s use. However, Plan B may cause some minor or serious side effects which will need immediate medical attentions. Some casual side effects might be experienced like nausea, stomach pain, dizziness or fainting spell, breast symptoms, fatigue, headaches, which are quiet similar to non-serious side effects of other birth control pills.
However, if you should vomit within one hour of taking Plan B pill then you must consult your healthcare professional or doctor immediately prior to continue the dose.
Some serious side effects of Plan B could be vomiting, diarrhea, menstrual bleeding heavier or lighter, severe abdominal pain, severe headache. If you experience some other side effects not mentioned here, please do consult your healthcare professional or doctor immediately. Do not use or stop using Plan B immediately if you have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding or are allergic to levonorgestrel or any of the ingredients in Plan B.

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). Keep it out of reach of children.

More Information

Please tell your doctor if you are suffering from high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease; have had a heart stroke; have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; have breast, uterine, or another hormone-related cancer; liver disease; if undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding; have migraines or severe, recurrent headaches; have diabetes; or smoke. Please do not hide from your doctor if you are smoker, drinker or have been taking drugs. Your doctor will review your case history and then advise you if using Plan B is suitable for you.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.