Before taking the Morning After Pill, you should understand what it is, what it could mean to your health and how it works. Give us a call and one of our staff will be happy to provide you with more information.
What is it?- The "morning after pill" is a large dose of oral contraceptive.
- Known as Plan B, the pill is actually 2 tablets, one taken within 72 hours of intercourse and the second 12 hours after the initial dose.
- It is NOT the same as RU-486 (see our section on Procedures: Medical Abortion)
How does it work?- Plan B is believed to act as an emergency contraceptive principally by preventing ovulation or fertilization. In addition, it may inhibit implantation.
- It is not effective once the process of implantation has begun.
Things to consider:- Emergency Contraception is not effective if a woman is already pregnant.
- Plan B does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted infection.
- The most common side effects in the Plan B clinical trial were nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and menstrual changes.
- The manufacturer warns that Plan B is not recommended for routine use as contraceptive.
Source: Manufacturer's prescribing information for Plan B (Levonorgestrel) tablets, 0.75 mg. Mfg by Gedon Richter, Ltd., Budapest, Hungry for Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Subsidiary of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Pomona, NY 10970. Revised Feb 2004. BR-038 / 21000382503
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