Plan B® One-Step Consumer: Frequently Asked Questions

Flash Consumers | Prescribers | Pharmacists

1. What is Plan B^® One-Step?

Plan B^® One-Step is a single tablet, single dose emergency contraception - a backup method of preventing pregnancy - and is not for routine use. It can reduce the chance of pregnancy when taken as directed up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex (if your regular birth control method fails, or if you've had sex without birth control).

2. How does Plan B^® One-Step work?

Plan B^® One-Step is one pill which has a higher dose of levonorgestrel, a hormone found in many birth control pills that healthcare professionals have been prescribing for more than 35 years. Plan B^® One-Step works in a similar way to prevent pregnancy. Plan B^® One-Step will not affect an existing pregnancy.

3. When is it appropriate to use Plan B^® One-Step?

You can use Plan B^® One-Step after you've had unprotected sex or contraceptive failure one or more times in the last 72 hours (3 days), and you don't want to become pregnant.

Plan B^® One-Step can be used as a backup method for birth control if, for example:

Your regular birth control failed (your partner's condom broke or slipped)
You made a mistake with your regular method (you forgot to take your birth control pills)
You didn't use any birth control method

4. When is it not appropriate to use Plan B^® One-Step?

Plan B^® One-Step should not be used:

If you're already pregnant, because it won't work
If you're allergic to levonorgestrel or any of the ingredients in Plan B^® One-Step
In place of regular birth control. Plan B^® One-Step should not be used as routine birth control, as it's not as effective. Plan B^® One-Step won't protect you from HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

5. When should I use Plan B^® One-Step?

You only have a few days to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Plan B^® One-Step works better the sooner you take it. Take it as soon as possible (within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.)

6. How effective is Plan B^® One-Step?

Plan B^® One-Step works better the sooner you use it. If it is taken as directed within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, it can significantly decrease the chance that you will become pregnant. About 7 out of every 8 women who would have gotten pregnant will not become pregnant. Plan B^® One-Step works even better if taken within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.

7. How will I know if Plan B^® One-Step worked?

The only way of knowing Plan B^® One-Step has been effective is when you get your next period, which should come at the expected time, or within a week of the expected time. If your period is more than 7 days late, you may be pregnant.

8. What if I'm already pregnant and use Plan B^® One-Step?

There is no medical evidence that Plan B^® One-Step would harm a developing baby. If you take Plan B^® One-Step accidentally after you're already pregnant, or it doesn't work and you become pregnant, it's not likely to cause any harm to you or your pregnancy. Plan B^® One-Step will not disrupt or affect an existing pregnancy.

9. Can I use Plan B^® One-Step for regular birth control?

Plan B^® One-Step should not be used as regular birth control. Plan B^® One-Step is not as effective as using a regular birth control method correctly and consistently. It is a backup method to be used if your regular birth control fails, or if you have sex without birth control. If you have unprotected sex after taking Plan B^® One-Step, it cannot protect you from getting pregnant.

10. How often can I use Plan B^® One-Step?

Plan B^® One-Step should only be used in emergencies, but there is no medical reason why you can't use it more than once. Don't be afraid to use Plan B^® One-Step when you need to, but remember that it should never replace routine methods of contraception as it simply isn't as effective.

Plan B^® One-Step doesn't provide long-term protection against future pregnancy—it only works to prevent this one incident. If you are sexually active, even occasionally, see your healthcare professional or clinic to find a method of birth control and STD prevention that suits you.

11. Will I experience any side effects from Plan B^® One-Step?

When used as directed, Plan B^® One-Step is safe and effective. Side effects may include changes in your period, nausea, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dizziness and breast tenderness. Some women may have changes in their period, a heavier or lighter next period, or a period that is early or late. If your period is more than a week late, you may be pregnant. If you have severe abdominal pain, you may have an ectopic pregnancy, and should get immediate medical attention.

12. What warnings should I know about when using Plan B^® One-Step?

Do not use Plan B^® One-Step:

If you're already pregnant, because it won't work
If you're allergic to levonorgestrel or any of the ingredients in Plan B^® One-Step
In place of regular birth control. Plan B^® One-Step should not be used as routine birth control, as it isn't as effective.
Plan B^® One-Step won't protect you from HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

When using this product you may have:

Changes in your period
Nausea
Lower Abdominal Pain
Fatigue
Headache
Dizziness
Breast Tenderness

If you should experience severe abdominal pain, you may have an ectopic pregnancy and should get immediate medical attention.

13. When do I start taking my regular birth control pills after Plan B^® One-Step?

It is recommended that a regular method of contraception be started immediately after Plan B^® One-Step, since Plan B^® One-Step does not reliably protect against pregnancy beyond the day it is used. Check with your healthcare professional for instructions on taking your oral contraceptive. You should not deviate from the directions for use of your usual contraceptive.

14. What should I do if I have questions about Plan B^® One-Step?

If you have questions or need more information about this product, call our toll-free number, 1-800-330-1271, check out this website, or ask a healthcare professional.

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Important Safety Information:
Plan B^® One-Step is intended to prevent pregnancy after known or suspected contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse.

Plan B^® One-Step isn't effective if you're already pregnant, and it won't terminate an existing pregnancy. Plan B^® One-Step does not protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Side effects may include changes in your period, nausea, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and dizziness. If your period is more than a week late, you may be pregnant. You should not take Plan B^® One-Step if you are already pregnant. Plan B^® One-Step should not be used as a routine birth control, as it is not as effective. If you have severe abdominal pain, you may have an ectopic pregnancy, and should get immediate medical help. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Click here for full product information.

Plan B^® One-Step is a registered trademark of Woman's Capital Corporation, a subsidiary of Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

For more information about Plan B^® One-Step, call 1-800-330-1271

Available without a prescription for consumers 17 or older.
If you’re under 17, you’ll need a prescription.

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Please call your pharmacy ahead of time to ensure Plan B^® One-Step is in stock.