Plan B (levonorgestrel) is also known as the morning-after pill. It is used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It can also be used if your contraception failed (broken condom) or if you missed a dose of birth control pills.

It works best when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. You should take it as soon as possible, but it may still be effective if taken up to 120 hours after sex.

Plan B is not an abortion pill and will not terminate an existing pregnancy. While it will not harm your unborn child if you are already pregnant, it is best to avoid taking it if you know you are pregnant. It is also safe to take during breastfeeding.

Plan B will not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Male or female condoms are recommended to prevent STIs.

Side effects from Plan B (levonorgestrel) are generally mild and well tolerated. They should go away within a few days.

Common side effects of Plan B include:

• Breast tenderness
• Changes in the menstrual cycle
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Lower abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Vomiting

Rarely, Plan B can cause severe side effects. Possible severe side effects associated with Plan B include allergic reactions, heavy menstrual bleeding, fainting, and severe lower abdominal pain. Seek emergency care if you experience any of those side effects after taking Plan B.

When used within 72 hours of unprotected sex, Plan B (levonorgestrel) will prevent pregnancies 89% of the time. The sooner you take Plan B, the more effective it is. It may still be effective when taken up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex, though it is most effective within the first 24 hours.

If you vomit within two hours of taking Plan B, your body may not have absorbed the medication, and it may be ineffective. If this occurs, reach out to your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

Yes, you can take Plan B (levonorgestrel) while using birth control. If you have been using birth control correctly, you most likely do not need to use Plan B.

If you missed a dose of medication or were taking it incorrectly, Plan B may help prevent a pregnancy after unprotected sex.

Taking Plan B (levonorgestrel) can alter your menstrual cycle. Plan B is essentially a high dose of birth control pills. This can prevent or delay ovulation, which is when an egg is released from the ovaries.

You may experience spotting or light bleeding after taking it. It can also delay your period, or it may come sooner than expected. Your period may also be lighter or heavier than usual.

Plan B (levonorgestrel) prevents or delays the release of an egg from the ovaries. Pregnancy occurs when sperm fertilizes an egg. If ovulation has already occurred, Plan B will not work. The egg can still be fertilized.

If you are unsure if you have ovulated or not, you can still take the pill. Plan B will not harm an active pregnancy.

Plan B (levonorgestrel) is intended for use as an emergency contraceptive. It should only be used to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex, if your birth control method failed, or if you missed a dose of birth control.

It is not intended to be used as birth control. If you find that you are using Plan B regularly, you should talk with your provider about using another form of birth control.

Plan B (levonorgestrel) should not be used if you are already pregnant. Plan B will not terminate an active pregnancy. It also should not be used in place of birth control.

Avoid using Plan B if you are allergic to levonorgestrel or have unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Some medications may interact with Plan B, reducing its effectiveness. Talk with your provider if you take any of the following medications:

• Antibiotics
• Carbamazepine
• Foundayo
• Griseofulvin
• HIV medication
• Lamotrigine
• Oxcarbazepine
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Rifampin

Yes, Plan B (levonorgestrel) is available over the counter. You do not need to show ID to purchase Plan B, and there are no age requirements. If you have questions about Plan B, reach out to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

If you are looking for a prescription for birth control, Sesame providers can prescribe it after a consultation. Simply book an online appointment with a Sesame provider and get a birth control prescription today.