- Plan B One-Step is most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex or birth control failure.
- It works by preventing ovulation or fertilization and does not end an existing pregnancy or protect against STIs.
- Due to high hormone levels and potential side effects like cycle irregularities, it is not intended for routine daily use.
Plan B One-Step is a morning-after pill used as emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It is also an option when you suspect a failure in your regular birth control method, such as a broken condom.
This pill contains the hormone levonorgestrel and must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual contact to be effective. For the best results, it is crucial to take the medication as soon as possible within this timeframe.
Plan B One-Step is intended for occasional emergency use and should not replace your standard birth control. Frequent use may lead to side effects due to the high concentration of hormones in the medication.
What it is for
Plan B One-Step is indicated to prevent pregnancy as an emergency contraceptive method in situations such as:
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Unprotected sexual intercourse
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A condom breaking or slipping off during sex
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Displacement of a diaphragm
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Forgetting to take birth control pills
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Being late for a birth control shot
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Non-consensual or forced sexual intercourse
Plan B One-Step is not intended for use as a routine contraceptive. If you do not currently have a regular birth control method, it is recommended to see a gynecologist for a clinical evaluation and to find the best option for you.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it is important to note that Plan B One-Step is not an abortion pill and does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
How to take
Levonorgestrel emergency contraception is available in two forms: a single-tablet regimen containing 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel, or a two-tablet regimen containing 0.75 mg of levonorgestrel per pill.
The instructions for taking levonorgestrel depend on the specific product you have:
Presentation & dosage
Plan B One-Step (1 tablet of levonorgestrel 1.5 mg)
Take the single tablet as soon as possible within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. The efficacy of the morning-after pill decreases significantly after this period.
If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the tablet, contact your healthcare provider, as you may need to repeat the dose.
Levonorgestrel (2 tablets of 0.75 mg)
Take the first tablet as soon as possible after unprotected sex, within a maximum of 72 hours, as effectiveness drops over time. Take the second tablet exactly 12 hours after the first.
If you vomit within 2 hours of taking a tablet, contact your healthcare provider to discuss repeating the dose.
Plan B One-Step can be taken at any time during your menstrual cycle, provided your period is not already late.
If you are currently taking birth control pills, you do not need to stop; simply continue taking them as scheduled.
Should a condom be used after taking Plan B One-Step?
Yes. After taking Plan B One-Step, you should use a barrier contraceptive method, such as a male or female condom or a diaphragm, until your next period starts.
Can Plan B One-Step be used more than once in a menstrual cycle?
Using Plan B One-Step more than once in the same menstrual cycle is not recommended. Repeated use can cause irregularities in your menstrual cycle.
It is best to consult a gynecologist to find a suitable long-term birth control method and avoid relying on emergency pills.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects associated with Plan B One-Step include nausea, lower abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, breast tenderness, and irregular bleeding.
You may also experience changes in your menstrual cycle, such as your period arriving a few days earlier or later than expected.
Who should not use
Plan B One-Step should not be used if you suspect you are already pregnant, have a confirmed pregnancy, or are breastfeeding. It is also not suitable for women with severe liver problems or allergies to any components of the pill.
Use this emergency pill with caution if you have asthma, severe cardiovascular disease, diabetes, epilepsy, or a history of stroke. In these cases, consult a gynecologist before use.
Caution is also advised for girls under 16 years of age, as there is limited data regarding the safety of use in this specific age group.