Levonorgestrel, Oral (Emergency Contraceptive)

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: emergency contraceptive; levonorgestrel, oral; Plan B

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or after a known or suspected failure of a birth control product. This medicine is sometimes called the morning-after birth control pill.

How do I take it?

This treatment consists of 2 tablets. Take the first tablet as soon as possible within 72 hours after the unprotected sex. Take the second tablet 12 hours after the first.

What should I watch out for?

If there is any chance you may be pregnant from earlier intercourse, take a pregnancy test using a home test kit before you take this medicine. Do not take this medicine if the test is positive because the medicine may harm the baby.

If you vomit after you take either tablet, contact your health care provider to determine if you should repeat that dose.

You can take this medicine at any time during your period.

This medicine should be used rarely. Do not use this medicine for routine birth control.

You may wish to take a home pregnancy test to find out if the treatment has worked.

What are the possible side effects?

The only reported side effects are nausea and vomiting. If you vomit after either dose, contact your health care provider.

What products might interact with this medicine?

Because this treatment involves only 2 doses, drug interactions are not expected to occur.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.