LEVONORGESTREL (LEE voe nor JES trel) can prevent pregnancy. It should be taken as soon as possible in the 72 hours after unprotected sex or if you think your contraceptive didn't work. It belongs to a group of medications called emergency contraceptives. It does not prevent HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): AfterPill, EContra EZ, EContra One-Step, Fallback Solo, My Choice, My Way, Next Choice, Next Choice One Dose, Opcicon One-Step, Plan B, Plan B One-Step, Preventeza, React, Take Action
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They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth. Your care team may want you to use a quick-response pregnancy test prior to using the tablets. Take your medication as soon as you can after having unprotected sex, preferably in the first 24 hours, but no later than 72 hours (3 days) after the event. Follow the dose instructions of your care team exactly. Do not take any extra pills. Extra pills will not decrease your risk of pregnancy, but may increase your risk of side effects.
A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Contact your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed. This medication has been used in female children who have started having menstrual periods.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
This medication is not for regular use. Take exactly as directed. If you vomit within 2 hours of taking your dose, contact your care team for instructions.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Your period may begin a few days earlier or later than expected. If your period is more than 7 days late, pregnancy is possible. See your care team as soon as you can and get a pregnancy test.
Talk to your care team before taking this medication if you know or suspect that you are pregnant. Contact your care team if you think you may be pregnant and you have taken this medication.
If you have severe abdominal pain, you may have a pregnancy outside the womb, which is called an ectopic or tubal pregnancy. Call your care team or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you think this is happening.
Discuss birth control options with your care team. Emergency birth control is not to be used routinely to prevent pregnancy. Be sure to use your regular birth control method right away, or start one, if you do not have a regular birth control method already.
This medication does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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