When and How to Use Plan B
Some general considerations for when and how to use Plan B include the following:
- Plan B comes in a pack with two tablets. The first one is taken right away within 72 hours of unprotected sex, and the second one is taken 12 hours later, even if this means taking it in the middle of the night.
- The sooner Plan B is taken, the more effective it is at preventing pregnancy.
- While it is not necessary to take Plan B with food, doing so can help prevent stomach upset.
- If you vomit within one hour of taking a dose of Plan B, call your healthcare provider immediately to see if you should repeat the dose.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
Dosing Information for Plan B
There is only one approved dose of Plan B, although your healthcare provider may suggest other unapproved ways to take it (such as both tablets at once). As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, Plan B can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the contraceptive will experience side effects. In fact, most women tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Plan B include but are not limited to:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Changes in menstrual bleeding.
(Click Plan B Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print