What is Plan B (levonorgestrel)?
Plan B is an emergency contraceptive tablet that prevents unwanted pregnancies after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure during sexual intercourse. Contraceptive failure may occur when a daily birth control pill is taken incorrectly, a condom isn’t used correctly, or a condom breaks during sex. Plan B contains the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel, an active ingredient in some IUDs, and the contraceptive arm implant.
Plan B should not be used in place of regular birth control or contraceptive measures. It is intended to be used as an emergency backup if other forms of birth control fail.
Plan B is widely available over-the-counter. It can be taken within 120 hours of unprotected sex but is more effective the sooner it is taken. It is important to note that Plan B is strictly a form of contraception. It cannot terminate a pregnancy or protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).