Plan B^® pricing alert!

As of February 1, 2007, one package of Plan B^(R) will cost $40 at the Student Health Center.  Learn more here.

Availability of Plan B^® at local retail pharmacies

For more information about the availability of Plan B at off-campus retail pharmacies, click here.

INFORMATION ABOUT EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

What can I do to reduce the risk of pregnancy if

• I was forced to have sex against my will?
• The condom broke or slipped off?
• I had sex when I didn’t expect to and didn’t use birth control?
• I missed two or more birth control pills this cycle or were 2 or more days late starting my pill pack; my 3-month injection was after 13 weeks; my birth control patch was off for more than one day or was applied late; there was a dysfunction of my NuvaRing?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you might want to consider using Plan B for emergency contraception. Plan B (levonorgestrel) may be a good choice if you had unprotected sex one or more times within the last 72 hours (3 days), and you don't want to become pregnant.

Is Plan B right for me?

Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy following a single act of unprotected sex from about 8% down to 1%. This represents an 89% reduction in risk of pregnancy for this single act of unprotected sex.

Plan B is more effective the sooner treatment is started following unprotected sex.

Plan B should not be taken if you have an allergy to any ingredient in Plan B. Do not use Plan B if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding. Plan B should not be taken once you are pregnant; it will not work. However, if you take Plan B and are already pregnant, it is unlikely that this would affect the pregnancy. Several studies involving long-term use of progestin hormone-containing contraceptives have not shown any effects on the fetus.

How does Plan B work?

Plan B® (levonorgestrel) may prevent pregnancy by temporarily stopping the release of an egg from a woman's ovary, or it may prevent fertilization. It may also prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. Plan B will not work if you are already pregnant.

What are the risks and side effects of Plan B?

Menstrual bleeding is sometimes heavier and sometimes lighter than usual after women take Plan B. After taking Plan B, most women (87%) get their next period within one week of when it is expected. If your period is more than one week late, you should check with your health care provider to see if you are pregnant.

Progestin contraceptive pills used for routine daily contraception can increase your risk for a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy. Plan B contains progestin. It is unknown if two doses of Plan B would increase the risk of tubal pregnancy. You should contact your health care provider if you develop severe abdominal pain, since this can be a warning sign of a tubal pregnancy.

The most common side effects include nausea (23% of users), abdominal pain (18%), tiredness (17%), and headache (17%). Dizziness and breast tenderness occur in about 10% of patients, and 5-6% of patients experience either vomiting or diarrhea.

For most women Plan B is a simple and safe option for reducing the chance of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. However, if you should experience any of the following symptoms on the “ACHES” list, call the Duke Student Health Center (681-9355) IMMEDIATELY.

• A bdominal pain (severe)
• C hest pain (severe), cough or shortness of breath
• H eadache (severe), dizziness, weakness or numbness
• E ye problems (vision loss or blurring), speech problems
• S evere leg pain (calf or thigh)

How soon will I get my period?

Menstrual bleeding is sometimes heavier and sometimes lighter than usual after women take Plan B. After taking Plan B, most women (87%) get their next period within one week of when it is expected. If your period is more than one week late, you should check with your health care provider to see if you are pregnant.

Remember your next menstrual period may be irregular, e.g. occurring sooner or later than expected. A BARRIER METHOD OF CONTRACEPTION SHOULD BE USED UNTIL YOUR PERIOD STARTS. If you do not get your period after three weeks, it will be important for you to return to the Duke Student Health Center for an examination and pregnancy test.

What if Plan B doesn't work?

Plan B is not 100% effective. Should you find that you are pregnant after taking Plan B, you can see a Health Educator for pregnancy options counseling. The health educator will advise you of all your options and support you in making a decision about your pregnancy.

Instructions

1. Take the first tablet as soon as possible within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
2. Take the second tablet 12 hours after you take the first tablet.
3. If you experience vomiting within 2 hours of taking the medication, call the Duke Student Health Center at 681-WELL.
4. Remember your next menstrual period may be irregular, e.g, not occur when you expect it.
5. If you experience severe headaches, abdominal, chest or leg pain, shortness of breath or a sudden vision change or loss, call for medical help IMMEDIATELY.
6. If you do not have your period after 3 weeks, return to the Duke Student Health Center for a pregnancy test.
7. Plan B is meant only for one-time, emergency contraception. It should not be used in place of ongoing effective birth control. Plan B does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy for the rest of this menstrual cycle. Please contact the Health Promotion office or a DELISH peer educator at 681-WELL for information and advice on safer sex, contraception, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.
8. Sexual Assault Support Services is available through the Women’s Center at 684-3897.

Sources:
Robert A. Hatcher, et al. Contraceptive Technology, 16th ed. (New York: Irvington Publishers, Inc., 1994);
Plan B – Emergency Contraception - www.go2planB.com