Is Generic Plan B Available?
Plan B® (levonorgestrel) is an emergency contraceptive, a "morning-after pill." It is approved to prevent pregnancy when used within 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex. Women who are 17 years and older do not need a prescription to get Plan B, but a prescription is necessary for women who are younger than 17.
Plan B comes in two forms, original Plan B (which consists of two tablets that are taken 12 hours apart) and new Plan B One-Step (which consists of one tablet). Both products are available by prescription (for individuals under 17 years old) or over-the-counter (for those 17 and older).
Plan B is made by Duramed Pharmaceutical, Inc., a division of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. There is a generic for the prescription and nonprescription versions of original Plan B available. Currently, there are no generic versions of either form (prescription or nonprescription) of Plan B One-Step.
Prescription-Only Generic Plan B
Watson Laboratories, Inc. makes a generic version of prescription-only and nonprescription, original Plan B. It is sold under the name Next Choice™.
When Will Generic Plan B One-Step Be Available?
For Plan B One-Step (both the prescription and nonprescription versions), Duramed holds the exclusive rights to market the product until July 2012.
Will My Insurance Cover Plan B?
Most insurance companies will not cover Plan B, especially without a prescription. Some insurance and state Medicaid programs may cover it with a prescription, although this may vary and limitations may apply.
Some flex-spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) may cover Plan B. Check with your FSA or HSA benefits administrator for more information.
