What is plan B?
Plan B is a progestin. It's mechanism of action is not fully known but this prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, altering the transport of sperm to prevent fertilization. It also changes the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation should fertilization ever occurs.
Plan B works best in preventing pregnancy or after unprotected sexual intercourse.
How to use Plan B?
Use Plan B as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Plan B as soon as possible if you suspected a birth control failure or immediately after unprotected sexual intercourse. The first dose must be taken within 72 hours then take the second tablet after 12 hours of taking the first tablet. Your doctor may advise you to take Plan B in a different way. Just follow his instructions.
Plan B can be used any time during the menstrual cycle
If vomiting occurs within 1 hour after taking the Plan B tablet, talk with your health care provider to discuss whether to repeat that dosage.
A physical exam is not needed before taking Plan B . If you are unsure about your general health or pregnancy status, a follow-up physical or pelvic exam may be needed after taking Plan B.
Contact your doctor right away if you missed a dose of Plan B.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have about how to use Plan B.
Do not use Plan B if:
You have an allergic reaction to the ingredient found in Plan B.
You suspected that you might be pregnant
You have abnormal vaginal bleeding
You are taking other medications such as nevirapine, rifampin, or St. John's wort
You have had a history of stroke,bleeding of the brain, blood clotting disorder or suspected of having breast cancer.
Contact your doctor or pharmacist right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Plan B:
Some medical conditions may interact with Plan B . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
If you are planning to become pregnant or you are breast-feeding
If you are taking any other prescribed medications,dietary supplement, or herbal medicines.
If you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
If you have a history of ectopic pregnancy or you are premenstrual discomfort
If you have diabetes
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with this medicine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), bosentan, carbamazepine, felbamate, griseofulvin, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, indinavir), hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), modafinil, nevirapine, penicillins (eg, amoxicillin), rifampin, St. John's wort, tetracyclines (eg, doxycycline), topiramate, or troglitazone because they may decrease Plan B 's effectiveness
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased or decreased by Plan B
Beta-adrenergic blockers (eg, metoprolol), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), selegiline, theophylline, or troleandomycin because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased by Plan B
Lamotrigine because its effectiveness is decreased, and, when levonorgestrel is stopped, toxic effects, such as nausea, dizziness, and vision problems, may occur
This is not the complete list of drug interactions. Ask your physician if Plan B can cause interactions to the other medications that you might be taking. Talk with your health care provider you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Important safety information:
Plan B may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Use Plan B with caution.
Plan B is an emergency contraceptive. It should not be used for routine birth control. If you have sexual intercourse after you take Plan B but before you have your next menstrual period, be sure to use an effective form of contraception, such as a diaphragm or condom.
Plan B doesn't protect you against having an HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.
For diabetic patients---The use of Plan B might affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Plan B should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
Do not use Plan B if you pregnant. Plan B doesn't end an existing pregnancy. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Plan B , check with your doctor first and discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Plan B:
1. Breast tenderness
2. Changes in menstrual flow
3. Diarrhea
4. Dizziness
5. Headache
6. Nausea
7. Stomach pain
8. Tiredness
9. Vomiting
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions: rash,hives,itching,difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, lower stomach pain, missed menstrual period, swelling and signs of spotting instead of your usual period.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include nausea; vaginal bleeding; vomiting.
Proper storage of Plan B:
Store Plan B at a storage temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Please store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Plan B out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
If you have any questions about Plan B, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Plan B is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if it becomes worse. Check with your doctor right away.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Plan B . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is therefore not to be used as a substitute for any medical professional advice in diagnosing or treating any health condition and prescribing any medication. Details of product packages offered are to be read very carefully. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statement regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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