What is Take Action: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Take Action overview

BRAND NAMES:

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

What form(s) does Take Action come in

  • Tablet

What are common Take Action doses?

  • Tablet 1.5MG

  • Package 1 Tablets

Common Take Action prescriptions

  • Take Action
    1 tablets package

  • Take Action
    1.5mg tablet

How to take Take Action

  • 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.

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

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

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

  • 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Take Action

  • Call your doctor for instructions.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Take Action 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.

Take Action warnings

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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).

Take Action 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.

Take Action side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe stomach pain

  • Dizziness

  • Fatigue

  • Headache

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Breast tenderness

  • Headache

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

  • Dizziness

  • Fatigue