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Morning After Pill / Plan B / Emergency Contraception
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 later. It is NOT the same as RU-486.
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)
and other sexually transmitted diseases.
- 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 a contraceptive.
Source: Manufacturer's Prescribing Information for Plan B
(Levonorgestrel) tablets, 0.75 mg. Mfg. by Gedeon Richter,
Ltd., Budapest, Hungary for Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
Subsidiary of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Pomona, NY 10970.
Revised Feb 2004. BR-038 / 21000382503
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