Plan B Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Plan B Tablet (levonorgestrel) is an over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pill used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom or missed birth control pills. It is a backup method and should not be used as regular birth control. It works best when taken as soon as possible, within 72 hours of unprotected sex, and does not end an existing pregnancy.

What is Plan B Tablet

Plan B is an over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pill used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom or missed birth control pills. It is a backup method and should not be used as regular birth control.

Plan B Tablet uses

• Prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure (such as a broken condom, slipped diaphragm, or missed birth control pills)
• Works best when taken as soon as possible, within 72 hours of unprotected sex
• Does not end an existing pregnancy
• Not meant for regular or routine birth control
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV

Benefits of Plan B Tablet

• Can reduce the chance of pregnancy after a single act of unprotected sex when taken on time
• Available without a prescription or age/ID requirement
• Can be taken any time within the 72-hour window, not just the morning after

How Plan B Tablet works

Plan B contains the hormone levonorgestrel. It works by blocking the hormone surge that triggers ovulation, which delays or stops the ovary from releasing an egg. It also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg. It does not work if a fertilized egg has already attached to the uterus.

Plan B Tablet dosage

Swallow the tablet as you would any other pill; it does not need to be taken with food or water, though eating or drinking with it may help lessen nausea. Take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex — the sooner you take it, the better it works. It is a single dose: you take only one tablet.

If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the pill, contact a doctor right away, as you may need to take another tablet. Take a pregnancy test if your period has not come within 3 weeks after taking the pill, and see a doctor within 3 weeks after taking it to confirm you are not pregnant and that it has not caused harm.

Do not take this medicine if you have taken another type of emergency contraceptive called ella within the last 5 days. It is considered safe to use while breastfeeding.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet

Side effects of Plan B Tablet

Common

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach or abdominal pain or cramps
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Headache
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Diarrhea
• Changes in your period (earlier, later, lighter, heavier, or spotting)

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe pain in the lower stomach or side, which could be a sign of a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine if you are already pregnant, since it will not end an existing pregnancy.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you regularly use medication for seizures, tuberculosis, or HIV/AIDS, since some medicines can make it less effective.
• This medicine does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Using a condom is the only way to protect against these infections.
• Do not take more than one tablet at the same time.
• Do not take this medicine if you know you're pregnant or suspect you might be, if you are allergic to its ingredients, or if you have had recent unexplained vaginal bleeding that a doctor hasn't checked.
• Pregnancy: Do not use this medicine if you are already pregnant. It will not end a pregnancy that has already begun, meaning a fertilized egg that has attached to the uterus.
• Breastfeeding: Levonorgestrel may slow breast milk production. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if you are breastfeeding.
• Kidney: No routine kidney-specific dosage adjustment is established.
• Liver: Patients with significant liver disease should obtain medical advice because levonorgestrel is metabolized by the liver.
• Alcohol: No major direct interaction is established, but vomiting may interfere with treatment effectiveness.
• Driving: Dizziness or fatigue may occur. Avoid driving if alertness is affected.

Storage

• Store tablet at room temperature 20–25°C (68–77°F)
• Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Avoid storing it in the bathroom or kitchen, where heat and humidity can affect it

When to see a doctor

• Call your doctor right away if you vomit within 2 hours after taking this medicine, as you may need to take another tablet.
• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor or seek emergency medical help if you have severe pain in your lower stomach or side, which could be a sign of a tubal pregnancy — a medical emergency.
• If your period is more than a week late, you may be pregnant. Get a pregnancy test and contact your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Visit your doctor within 3 weeks after taking this medicine to confirm you are not pregnant and that it has not caused any harmful effects.

Alternatives

• Copper Intrauterine Device (IUD)
• Ulipristal Acetate Emergency Contraception
• Generic Levonorgestrel Emergency Contraception