Is Plan B Healthy?
Plan B is an emergency contraceptive pill that works by delaying ovulation (the release of an egg) to help prevent pregnancy. When taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, Plan B’s effectiveness stands at 89% preventing conception.
The pill is safe to take and does not pose any significant side effects, nor interfere with hormonal birth control or alter your period.
Safety
Plan B is an extremely safe and effective form of emergency contraception. When used correctly, it has an 89% success rate in preventing pregnancy within 72 hours of unprotected sexual encounter.
This pill contains a higher dosage of the hormone levonorgestrel, the same hormone found in birth control pills like Mirena hormonal patch. You should take one immediately following unprotected sexual encounter in order to stop your body from ovulating and prevent future pregnancies.
The drug works by slowing ovulation (releasing an egg), making it more difficult for sperm to meet and fertilize it, and stopping any fertilized eggs from attaching themselves to your uterus. It may also alter your menstrual cycle so some women may notice earlier or later periods as well as heavier or lighter bleeding leading up to their period.
Taken on the first day of menstruation is the most effective and popular method for using contraception drugs, as it’s easier and faster for you.
However, if you suffer from seizures or are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, this medication will likely not be as beneficial to you. Furthermore, this drug should not be taken by those planning or expecting pregnancy as this could harm their baby during gestation or labor.
If you have any concerns about whether this medication is right for you, consult a physician or pharmacist immediately. They’ll be able to answer all your queries as well as suggest alternative forms of emergency contraception that are less risky and more effective for you.
At any point during breastfeeding or chestfeeding, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about any medications that you’re taking, as this could impact its efficacy. Furthermore, they can advise if it is safe to continue taking these medicines while breastfeeding or chestfeeding.
Keep a detailed record of the medicines you’re taking when pregnant or breastfeeding, particularly herbal products. Maintain an up-to-date list with all your medication – both prescription and herbal products – that includes both your physician and pharmacist, so they know which drugs they need to administer or monitor for possible interactions.
The main side effects of this pill include heavier vaginal bleeding or spotting prior to your period and changes in menstrual cycle. While these side effects can be uncomfortable and increase anxiety about getting your period, they are uncommon and unlikely to impact you significantly.
Dosage
Plan B is a progestin-only emergency contraceptive (birth control) designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual encounter. When used according to its instructions, Plan B can safely and effectively stop pregnancy before it occurs.
Plan B should be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours after unprotected sexual encounter, with a second dose 12 hours later. For maximum efficacy, two tablets may be taken 12 hours apart.
This medication is available without a doctor’s prescription as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine for women of childbearing potential, aged 17 years or over, who are childbearing potential. Additionally, it can also be obtained as prescription medicine if younger than 17 years.
Plan B tablets contain 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel per white round tablet and should be taken with food.
Plan B should not be taken if you have had an allergic reaction to Levonorgestrel, such as breast cancer, high blood pressure, or heart disease medication. Before beginning taking this drug, always speak with your healthcare provider first and get approval before making your choice.
Whenever taking this medication, it is vital that you use a condom to protect against pregnancy. Doing so can prevent the hormones in this medication from doing their work and could help ensure you don’t become pregnant.
If you are trying to get pregnant, taking birth control medications such as this could make your periods irregular, which isn’t ideal. If this medicine is being relied upon frequently, speak with your healthcare provider about other suitable birth control solutions that might work better for you.
Plan B hormones may lead to irregular periods, so it’s essential that you keep track of them and use a condom if having sexual relations during your monthly cycle. Regular periods are the surest way of avoiding pregnancy.
While taking this medication, do not consume alcohol or foods which could make you queasy. In case of fever, chills, itching everywhere on your body or pain in the lower stomach or belly before your next period, consult with a healthcare provider immediately.
This medication is an emergency contraceptive (birth control) designed to work quickly, safely and effectively when taken according to instructions. While not meant for long-term use, you can take this dose at any point during your monthly cycle if an unplanned pregnancy threatens.
Side effects
Plan B is an emergency contraceptive (post-coital pill) designed to protect you after engaging in unprotected sex without using any form of birth control barrier methods. The medication contains levonorgestrel hormone, which delays ovulation (the release of an egg from your ovaries), thus decreasing your chances of becoming pregnant.
To achieve optimal results, birth control pills should typically be taken within 72 hours after engaging in unprotected sexual activity. Their efficacy may decrease closer to ovulation or with higher BMI.
Plan B should be taken for three days after experiencing unprotected sexual encounter. If vomiting occurs or other severe side effects arise, contact a medical provider immediately.
Plan B’s side effects typically dissipate within two days after taking it, although women may experience brief spotting which should cease within 48 hours.
If you have experienced bleeding for more than two days, contact your health care provider for an appointment and pregnancy test to determine the cause. If it turns out you are pregnant, they can recommend another form of contraception until your next period arrives.
Other potential side effects can include heavy menstrual bleeding, cramping, lower abdominal pain and nausea. Most women will notice these symptoms go away within four days but some could linger longer.
Your doctor needs to know whether you are breastfeeding and/or experiencing any medical conditions, including breast-feeding. Also be sure to disclose all medications, herbs and supplements taken.
This pill is safe and effective for women of all ages and can be taken either with or without food, according to your physician’s direction. Available as tablets, capsules or creams.
When taken orally with water, this medication should only be consumed while pregnant or breastfeeding as its use could negatively impact fetal development and growth.
Contraception should not be used as an effective form of long-term contraception for those suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes, and should never be relied on as such.
Precautions
Plan B is an emergency contraception method designed to help women avoid pregnancy after birth control failure or unprotected sexual encounter. Unfortunately, however, it cannot prevent HIV infection or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
The pill contains levonorgestrel, a hormone which blocks egg release from an ovary. This prevents sperm from fertilizing it, making it harder for any fertilized eggs to attach themselves to the uterus and attach themselves for successful attachment.
This medication works best if taken within 72 hours after engaging in unprotected sexual activity, though its efficacy may be decreased in women nearing ovulation or with higher body mass indexes (BMIs).
As it’s less effective than other forms of emergency contraception, most experts do not advise using morning-after pills as primary forms of birth control. Instead, experts suggest supplementing them with other forms of emergency contraception like IUDs or condoms for more effective protection.
If you are taking other medications such as efavirenz (used to treat HIV), rifampin (used for tuberculosis treatment), or tetracycline (an anticonvulsant medicine), be sure to notify your physician prior to beginning this product; these drugs could reduce its effectiveness while increasing your chances of conception.
Before beginning this medication, be sure to inform your physician if you have had a history of blood clots in either of your legs or lungs as these could compromise its efficacy and increase your chances for pregnancy.
Few people taking this medication may experience nausea or vomiting as a side effect; this side effect should wear off over time.
Another possible side effect of this medication could include headaches and changes in menstrual cycles. While these should diminish with time, they could take several weeks before they do.
Dizziness may occur as an unwanted side effect of taking this medication, although its severity should usually be minimal. Resting and avoiding loud noises may provide temporary relief.
This product is suitable for breastfeeding or chestfeeding women, although it may reduce breast milk production. If you have had breast cancer or experienced any adverse reactions with other medications before beginning this one, consult with your healthcare provider first before taking it.