What is React: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Sep 24, 2021

React overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Aftera, EContra EZ, EContra One-Step, Fallback Solo, My Choice, My Way, Next Choice, Next Choice One Dose, Opcicon One-Step, Option 2, Plan B One-Step, Preventeza, React, Take Action

Generic Names:

  • Levonorgestrel

Uses:

  • Prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex or after failure of another birth control method.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Contraceptive, Contraceptive, Progestin, Endocrine-Metabolic Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is React used for?

Levonorgestrel is used to prevent pregnancy after birth control failure. It is used as an emergency contraceptive only and contains a progestin hormone that works by preventing ovulation. Levonorgestrel also helps to prevent sperms from entering the womb by making cervical mucus thick.

What form(s) does React come in

  • Tablet

What are common React doses?

  • Box 1 Tablets

How to take React

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Take the first tablet as soon as possible after unprotected sex, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Take the second tablet 12 hours after the first tablet.

  • You may take the pills with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.

  • If you vomit within one hour of taking either dose of this medicine, call your doctor to ask if you should repeat that dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of React

  • Call your doctor for instructions.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

React contraindications

  • You should not use levonorgestrel if you have had an allergic reaction to it, or to other progestin drugs, such as progestogen oral contraceptives (Ovrette®, Micronor®, Nor-QD®), progesterone, megestrol, or medroxyprogesterone. You should not use levonorgestrel if you are already pregnant, or have unusual vaginal bleeding.

React warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you have ever had a tubal pregnancy, or if you are breastfeeding or have diabetes.

  • Levonorgestrel is used to prevent pregnancy within 72 hours after unprotected sex. If you are already pregnant, this medicine will not end your pregnancy.

  • 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 diseases such as syphilis, herpes, or HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).

  • After using this medicine, you should have your next period at the expected time. If your next period is more than one week late, check with your doctor. You may be pregnant.

  • 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.

React interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using phenytoin (Dilantin®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), or rifampin. These medicines may make levonorgestrel less effective.

  • Levonorgestrel is used to prevent pregnancy within 72 hours after unprotected sex. If you are already pregnant, this medicine will not end your pregnancy.

  • 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 diseases such as syphilis, herpes, or HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).

  • After using this medicine, you should have your next period at the expected time. If your next period is more than one week late, check with your doctor. You may be pregnant.

  • 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.

React side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe stomach pain

  • Dizziness

  • Fatigue

  • Headache

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Breast tenderness

  • Dizziness

  • Fatigue

  • Headache

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

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