Plan B Emergency Contraceptive (Levonorgestrel) is an over-the-counter medication used as an emergency birth control pill. The drug can be used within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. However, the drug is not for routine use and does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. The active ingredient in the Plan B emergency contraceptive is Levonorgestrel. Levonorgestrel belongs to a class of drugs called progestins. It works by preventing egg release from the ovary or preventing egg fertilization by the sperm. Levonorgestrel may also work by changing the uterus lining to prevent pregnancy development.

Manufacturer Information

Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Plan B Emergency Contraceptive. The most common side effects of Plan B Emergency Contraceptives may include the following:
• Diarrhea;
• Headache;
• Irregular bleeding until next period;
• Lower abdominal pain;
• Nausea;
• Tender breasts;
• Tiredness;
• Vomiting

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, including:
• Painful period;
• Pelvic pain;
• Rash;
• Swelling of the face

These are not all of the side effects of Levonorgestrel. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

You should not take Plan B Emergency Contraceptive if you are allergic to Levonorgestrel or any ingredient in Plan B Emergency Contraceptive. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Have a history of ectopic pregnancy;
• Have a history of salpingitis;
• Have Crohn’s disease;
• Have severe liver problems

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Levonorgestrel will not work if you are already pregnant. The drug does not terminate a pregnancy. Plan B emergency contraceptives can only prevent pregnancy if you take it within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Levonorgestrel passes into breast milk. You should avoid nursing for at least 8 hours after using the drug. This medication causes menstruation disturbance which can lead to earlier or later ovulation. Plan B emergency contraceptives will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. Ask your doctor if you are worried about this. Use Levonorgestrel only in emergencies and not as a regular method of contraception. Using this drug more than once in a menstrual cycle is less reliable and is more likely to upset your menstrual cycle. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Plan B Emergency Contraceptive and other medicines, including felbamate, carbamazepine, bosentan, topiramate, griseofulvin, St. John’s wort, and phenytoin. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Store it below 250C.

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