Plan B (levonorgestrel) is a progestin-only emergency contraceptive pill that works quickly to stop pregnancy after unprotected sexual encounter or birth control failure, also referred to as morning-after pills or post-coital pills. With no long-term risks involved, Plan B provides an effective and safe method of protecting yourself until your next period arrives.

Anticonceptives are most effective if taken within 72 hours after engaging in unprotected sexual activity. While they cannot stop an existing pregnancy from progressing further, they do prevent ovulation which will stop fertilization of eggs by the female partner and may help avoid an unwanted pregnancy from beginning.

No

Plan B (commonly referred to as the morning-after pill) is an emergency contraception (EC) method designed to prevent pregnancy among women. Taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex or if your usual contraceptive method fails, taking one daily will reduce your chance of pregnancy by 89% if taken as prescribed by medical providers and insurance policies; additionally it is usually free at family planning clinics and health departments.

The morning-after pill contains levonorgestrel, the same hormone found in birth control pills, to prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg and blocking sperm from fertilizing it. While effective at this, please keep in mind that taking one does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or abortion – and will therefore not work to end an existing pregnancy or harm developing foetuses should it be taken during an attempted miscarriage attempt.

Side effects from morning-after pills may be temporary and mildly uncomfortable; typically headaches, stomach upset, light bleeding and tender breasts may occur within 24 hours after taking an EC pill and are rarely severe. Also note if your period changes at all; sometimes they come early or late with regular use.

Some may wonder whether taking an emergency contraceptive (EC) daily is safe. Unfortunately, regular use is not advised since EC does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy; long term birth control options like pills, patches, rings or implants provide better protection. If necessary, emergency contraception should only be taken occasionally;

Preventing losing or forgetting birth control pills by purchasing additional ones ahead of time is beneficial to many women. They can be stored safely in your medicine cabinet and provide peace of mind should something happen such as traveling abroad or your normal birth control not working effectively.

Plan B’s manufacturer offers a coupon and rebate program to offset its high costs, and women can upload or mail in receipts to receive Plan B for free. In many drugstores and pharmacies it can also be purchased without a valid prescription, while some local family planning clinics and Planned Parenthood centers usually stock it too. It may not be readily available in some states due to legislation blocking it from sale behind counter or health care coverage mandates; pharmacists have even refused to stock Plan B due to these policies leading to increased demands or shortages; therefore increasing demand and potentially leading to shortages of availability in certain areas – eventually leading to shortages of Plan B supply!

Yes

Plan B is an emergency contraception solution that should be taken within 72 hours after engaging in unprotected sexual activity. When used correctly, Plan B has an 87% success rate when used correctly; its medication temporarily delays ovulation to stop fertilization of eggs from fertilized sperm. Unfortunately, Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or HIV as its active ingredient is levonorgestrel, similar to what’s found in birth control pills but with higher dosage.

Women can purchase Plan B One-Step without needing a valid prescription at most pharmacies across the US without age or gender restrictions, with Planned Parenthood also selling this medication. As it could potentially alter the expected date of your next period, taking a home pregnancy test prior to using Plan B is highly advised as using it could delay its arrival by more than seven days – potentially indicating pregnancy which requires medical intervention immediately.

The medication is generally safe to take; most users experience minimal side effects that generally subside within 24 hours, such as changes to menstrual cycles, nausea, lower stomach (abdominal) pain, tiredness or headache. Furthermore, an allergic reaction could occur.

Plan B One-Step should not be taken if you are allergic to levonorgestrel, have breast cancer, or experience vaginal bleeding. Additionally, this medication may interact with certain seizure medicines such as rifampin, barbiturates and certain seizure medications. This medication must be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark location out of direct sunlight; freezing or exposure should not occur while keeping this medicine stored away safely. For any concerns or information on its safety you should speak with either your physician or pharmacist directly.

While Plan B may not be considered a regular form of birth control, when used correctly it can be safe and effective in providing protection from sexually transmitted diseases. Women should consult their healthcare providers about other effective birth control methods to better protect them against them.

Many women worry about potential side effects from taking Plan B. The medication could cause changes to your menstrual cycles, including spotting between periods or heavy bleeding; an abnormal vaginal discharge; or cramped sensations. Rarely, Plan B can even lead to severe abdominal pain that requires immediate medical intervention; in such an instance ectopic pregnancy is life threatening condition and requires immediate medical assistance.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Plan B for over-the-counter sale in February 2011; since then it is now widely available at retailers like Walgreens and CVS that sell other birth control products, such as Take Action by Walgreens or Aftera by Aftera (both medications contain the same active ingredient and are just as effective), while you can even buy generic versions for as little as $10 from online pharmacies like GoodRx or in select pharmacies.