Before considering the Morning After Pill (known by the brand name Plan B), you have the right to know what it is, what it could mean to your health, and how it works. Give us a call at (225) 359-9001 to make an appointment for information.

What is it?

Plan B is a large dose of oral contraceptives. It is actually two 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 supposed to act as an emergency contraceptive
(something that stops you from getting pregnant)
• It works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from a woman's body) or fertilization (the process of sperm from the guy joining with the egg to possibly make a baby)
• Plan B could also prevent implantation (when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of your uterus)
• Plan B is not effective once the process of implantation has begun

Things to consider

• The manufacturer warns that Plan B is not recommended for routine use as a contraceptive
• Emergency contraception is not effective if a woman is already pregnant.
NOTE: It is important to have a pregnancy test before taking Plan B.
• 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.