How Does Plan B Work?
Plan B One-Step works through delaying or preventing ovulation, by interfering with fertilization (inhibiting the movement of the egg or the sperm through the fallopian tube). The FDA package insert also states that Plan B One-Step may inhibit implementation by altering the lining of the uterus. It is not effective if the process of implantation has begun. Plan B One-Step will NOT cause a miscarriage. Plan B One-Step does not provide any protection or treatment against sexually transmitted diseases. Pregnancies occurring despite treatment do not have an increased risk of adverse outcome.
How Effective Is It?
This drug may reduce the risk of pregnancy by 95% when taken within the first 24 hours after unprotected intercourse and by 61% when taken between 48-72 hours. Recent research indicates that taking Plan B One-Step between 72 and 120 hours after unprotected intercourse continues to provide some protection against unwanted pregnancy. It is not as effective as using consistent contraception with each act of intercourse and should not be considered a routine contraceptive method. This drug is effective only for this particular act of intercourse and does not provide any protection against pregnancy as a result of previous acts of unprotected intercourse and will not provide any contraceptive protection during the remainder of this menstrual cycle. It is very important to use a consistent method of birth control for the remainder of this cycle.
Who should not take this drug? What about Drug Interactions?
This drug should not be used if a woman is pregnant or suspects that she may already be pregnant. It should also not be used if there is a history of allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this product. If a woman has a history of recent, abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been evaluated, it should not be used at this time.
However, for women taking daily progestin-only birth control pills there is a theoretical decrease in the effectiveness of the birth control pill when a woman is on certain anti-seizure drugs (Dilantin, Mesantoin, Peganone, Felbatol, Tegretol, Phenobarbital), or on Rifampin, used to treat tuberculosis. Do not skip any dose of a regular medication in order to take this drug. Women with diabetes may notice a brief change in blood sugar levels, but it would not be necessary to alter insulin levels.
What Are The Side Effects?
Nausea is the most common side effect; however, very few women have actually reported significant nausea or vomiting. Eating small frequent meals for the next 24 hours may help decrease these symptoms.
Other side effects include fatigue, headache, abdominal pain or cramps, dizziness, breast tenderness, diarrhea and moodiness. These side effects would not be expected to last more than two days after taking this medication. Changes in the menstrual cycle can be expected. Some women will experience spotting a few days after this tablet. Because Plan B One-Step may delay ovulation, you may be at risk of pregnancy in the first few days after treatment. You should use an effective method of contraception for the remainder of this menstrual cycle and thereafter.
Storage :
Store between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children and away from pets.