What Moms Need to Know about Teens Obtaining Plan B®

PrintEmail

On April 22, 2009, the FDA decreased its previous age limitation from 18 to 17 and now allows consumers ages 17 and older to purchase Plan B over the counter (OTC). Even though Plan B is available OTC for some, EC pharmacy access services continue to be especially crucial for younger women, undocumented women, and women without proof of age who are trying to prevent pregnancy within the short window of time that EC is effective. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Plan B and where to get it OTC.

1. What is Plan B® One-Step?  
Plan B® One-Step is a single tablet, single dose emergency contraception - a backup method of preventing pregnancy - and is not for routine use. It can reduce the chance of pregnancy when taken as directed up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex (if your regular birth control method fails, or if you've had sex without birth control).  
 
2. How does Plan B® One-Step work?  
Plan B® One-Step is one pill which has a higher dose of levonorgestrel, a hormone found in many birth control pills that healthcare professionals have been prescribing for more than 35 years. Plan B® One-Step works in a similar way to prevent pregnancy. Plan B® One-Step will not affect an existing pregnancy. 
 
3. When is it appropriate to use Plan B® One-Step?  
You can use Plan B® One-Step after you've had unprotected sex or contraceptive failure one or more times in the last 72 hours (3 days), and you don't want to become pregnant.  
 
Plan B® One-Step can be used as a backup method for birth control if, for example:

Your regular birth control failed (your partner's condom broke or slipped)

• You made a mistake with your regular method (you forgot to take your birth control pills)
• You didn't use any birth control method

4. When is it not appropriate to use Plan B® One-Step?  
 
Plan B® One-Step should not be used:

• If you're already pregnant, because it won't work
• If you're allergic to levonorgestrel or any of the ingredients in Plan B® One-Step
• In place of regular birth control. Plan B® One-Step should not be used as routine birth control, as it's not as effective. Plan B® One-Step won't protect you from HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

5. When should I use Plan B® One-Step?  
You only have a few days to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Plan B® One-Step works better the sooner you take it. Take it as soon as possible (within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.)  
 
6. How effective is Plan B® One-Step?  
Plan B® One-Step works better the sooner you use it. If it is taken as directed within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, it can significantly decrease the chance that you will become pregnant. About 7 out of every 8 women who would have gotten pregnant will not become pregnant. Plan B® One-Step works even better if taken within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.  
 
7. How will I know if Plan B® One-Step worked?  
The only way of knowing Plan B® One-Step has been effective is when you get your next period, which should come at the expected time, or within a week of the expected time. If your period is more than 7 days late, you may be pregnant.  
 
8. What if I'm already pregnant and use Plan B® One-Step?  
There is no medical evidence that Plan B® One-Step would harm a developing baby. If you take Plan B® One-Step accidentally after you're already pregnant, or it doesn't work and you become pregnant, it's not likely to cause any harm to you or your pregnancy. Plan B® One-Step will not disrupt or affect an existing pregnancy.  
 
9. Can I use Plan B® One-Step for regular birth control?  
Plan B® One-Step should not be used as regular birth control. Plan B® One-Step is not as effective as using a regular birth control method correctly and consistently. It is a backup method to be used if your regular birth control fails, or if you have sex without birth control. If you have unprotected sex after taking Plan B® One-Step, it cannot protect you from getting pregnant.