Type of medicine: contraceptive (birth control)
Generic and brand names: emergency contraceptive; levonorgestrel, oral; Plan B; Plan B One-Step; Next Choice
This medicine is taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or after a known or suspected failure of a birth control product. This medicine is sometimes called the morning-after birth control pill.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. This medicine is a contraceptive and prevents pregnancy. It does not end a pregnancy and should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For Plan B or Next Choice you will take 2 tablets. Take the first tablet as soon as possible within 72 hours after the unprotected sex. Take the second tablet 12Â hours after the first.
Plan B One-Step consists of 1 tablet taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting.
In some states, this medicine is available without a prescription if you are 17 years of age or older. Call your pharmacy to make sure they have the medicine. If you are 16 years or younger, you will need a prescription from your healthcare provider.
If you may already be pregnant from earlier intercourse, take a pregnancy test using a home test kit before you take this medicine. This medicine can prevent a pregnancy if used within 72 hours after unprotected sex. It will not work if you are already pregnant.
If you vomit after you take the medicine, ask your healthcare provider if you should take another tablet.
You can take this medicine at any time during your period.
This medicine should be used rarely. Do not use this medicine for routine birth control. This medicine does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV or herpes.
Menstrual bleeding may be heavier or lighter, earlier or later after taking this medicine. However, if your menstrual period is more than 1 week late, you may be pregnant. Contact your healthcare provider and get a pregnancy test.
If you have severe abdominal pain 3 to 5 weeks after taking this medicine, you may have a pregnancy outside the uterus (a tubal pregnancy). Contact your healthcare provider right away.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe abdominal pain within 5 weeks after taking this medicine.
Other: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, tiredness, dizziness, menstrual changes, breast tenderness, and headache. If you vomit after either dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Some other medicines may make this medicine less effective at preventing pregnancy. Before using this medicine, talk with your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
