Emergency Contraception Pills

(also known as Plan B or the "Morning-After Pill")

Emergency contraception pills are a safe, effective,

back-up birth control method which can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. Emergency contraception does not interrupt a pregnancy and will not work if a woman is already pregnant. It also will not harm a pregnancy that is already established, if a woman chooses to continue the pregnancy.

Emergency contraception pills (ECPs) contain hormones that reduce the risk of pregnancy if started within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. Plan B is currently the only product marketed specifically as emergency contraception. Under a doctor's supervision, certain oral contraceptives taken in increased doses may also be used as

emergency contraception pills.

What is the difference between emergency contraception pills and the abortion pill?

Many people are confused about the difference between emergency contraception and the

abortion pill. Most basically, emergency contraception helps prevent pregnancy, while the

abortion pill terminates pregnancy. For a complete comparison between these two medications, please see our What is the Difference? page.

How effective are emergency contraception pills?

ECPs are very effective at reducing the risk of pregnancy. Studies have shown that ECPs can reduce the risk of pregnancy when taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse. However, the sooner the dosing begins, the more effective the treatment. When taken within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse, Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy by 95 percent.

How do emergency contraception pills work?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Emergency contraceptive pills...

act by delaying or inhibiting ovulation, and/or altering tubal transport of sperm and/or ova

(thereby inhibiting fertilization), and/or altering the endometrium (thereby inhibiting

implantation)".

How safe are ECPs?

Emergency contraception pills are safe for almost all women, including many who cannot use regular birth control pills. Millions of women around the world have used ECPs safely. Many women like to have a prescription for ECPs “on hand”, in case their first plan for birth control fails (as in the case of a broken condom) they have a back up method easily available.

Emergency Contraception Pills-

A Summary for Patients

What Is It?	A safe, effective, back-up birth control method.
What Does It Do?	Prevents a pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. ECPs do not interrupt a pregnancy and will not work if a woman is already pregnant.
When Can I Use It?	Works within 5 days of unprotected sex
Brand Names Of Pills	Plan B
What's In The Pills?	Plan B contains progestin, one of the hormones found in daily birth control pills.
When Do You Take It?	The sooner ECPs are taken after an episode of unprotected sex, the better they works. It works up to 5 days after unprotected sex. The 2 pills can be taken together or 12 hours apart.
What Happens to Your Body?	Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, dizziness and breast pain. The next period sometimes comes a few days early or a few days late.
How Much Does It Cost?	Most pharmacies charge between $30-35. For our patients we sell plan B for $30.
Do I Need a Prescription?	Plan B is now kept “behind the counter” in pharmacies. If you are over 18 you do not need a prescription. You need to speak with the pharmacist and provide proof of age. If you are under 18, you still need a prescription, which we can provide.
How Effective Is It?	Taken correctly, ECPs reduce a woman's chance of becoming pregnant by 85 to 99 percent, depending on how soon the pills are taken.
Do You Have To Tell Your Parents?	No
Insurance Coverage	Most insurances don’t cover Plan B now that it is available over the counter. Medicaid will cover the cost with a doctor’s prescription.

For more information about Plan B, you may also wish to visit the Plan B Consumer Webpage.