Plan B One-Step is an over-the-counter emergency contraception medication (“morning after pill”). It reduces the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or barrier contraception failure. The drug contains levonorgestrel, a female sex hormone that can prevent pregnancy by blocking ovulation, fertilization, and attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterine lining.
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Plan B One-Step overview
BRAND NAMES:
Aftera, EContra One-Step, My Choice, My Way, Next Choice, Option 2, Preventeza, Opcicon One-Step, React, Take Action
Generic Names:
Levonorgestrel
Uses:
Prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex or after failure of another birth control method.
Therapeutic Classes:
Contraceptive, progestin contraceptive, endocrine-metabolic agent
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Plan B One-Step used for?
Plan B One-Step is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure.
What form(s) does Plan B One-Step come in
Tablet
1.5 mg
What are common Plan B One-Step doses?
For emergency contraception in women: 1, 1.5 mg tablet taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse
Common Plan B One-Step prescriptions
Plan B One-Step
1 tablets packagePlan B One-Step
1.5mg tablet
How to take Plan B One-Step
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
Take the first tablet as soon as possible within 72 hours after unprotected sex unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
If you vomit within one hour of taking the tablet, call your healthcare professional for medical advice about repeating the dose.
What to do if you miss a dose of Plan B One-Step
Women can take Plan B One-Step at any time within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
Talk to a doctor if more than 72 hours have passed after unprotected sex.
Plan B One-Step contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
You should not use Plan B One-Step if you have had an allergic reaction to it or other progestin drugs, such as progestogen oral contraceptives (Ovrette, Micronor, Nor-QD), progesterone, megestrol, or medroxyprogesterone.
Do not take Plan B One-Step if you are pregnant. Plan B One-Step will not end a pregnancy.
You should not use Plan B One-Step if you have unusual vaginal bleeding.
Plan B One-Step warnings
You may have spotting a few days after using this medicine. With your next period, you may bleed a little more or a little less than usual.
After using this medicine, you should have your next period at the expected time. If your next period is over a week late, check with your doctor. You may be pregnant.
Before using this medicine, talk to a doctor first if:
You have ever had a tubal pregnancy
You have diabetes
You are breastfeeding
This medicine is an emergency method of preventing pregnancy and should not be your regular method of birth control.
Levonorgestrel will not protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, herpes, or HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
Plan B One-Step interactions
Some drug interactions may cause problems in women taking Plan B One-Step. Some of these drug combinations may make Plan B One-Step less effective as an emergency contraceptive.
Talk to a doctor if you are taking the following medications:
Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin or carbamazepine
Rifampin
Dexamethasone
Some common dietary supplements can also reduce the effectiveness of Plan B One-Step, so you may want to temporarily discontinue them:
Echinacea
Garlic
St. John’s wort
Plan B One-Step side effects
Serious side effects
Plan B One-Step has no reported serious side effects.
Less serious side effects
Menstrual changes
Feeling tired
Breast tenderness
Nausea
Headache
Vomiting
Lower abdominal pain
Dizziness
Sources:
Plan B One-Step levonorgestrel tablet drug information, NIH National Library of Medicine
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