PLAN B METHOD
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
Available at the Student Health Center

USE: Plan B (emergency contraception) is intended to prevent pregnancy after known or suspected contraceptive failure or unprotected sex.

Examples:

• No contraceptive use
• Condom failure – breaks/slips off
• Missed or incorrect birth control use
• Victim of sexual assault

HOW IT WORKS: Plan B can be used at any time during the menstrual cycle. It is believed to act as an emergency contraceptive principally by preventing/delaying ovulation/sperm transport, or it may inhibit implantation by altering the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). EC acts as a primary prevention of unintended pregnancy and thereby reduces the need for secondary prevention (induced abortion).

EFECTIVENESS: Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy by approximately 89%. Efficacy is better if Plan B is taken as directed as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

SAFETY PROFILE:

• Pregnancy: If you are already pregnant it is not harmful to the woman or fetus. Early pregnancy symptoms include: breast tenderness, changes in menstrual cycle, nausea, and/or a positive pregnancy test.
• Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to any component of the product, or undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding.
• Side Effects: The most common adverse events include nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache and menstrual bleeding changes, including spotting and more/less vaginal bleeding at the time of expected menses. If there is a delay in the onset of menses beyond one week of normal, a pregnancy test should be done.

STD/HIV: Plan B does not protect against HIV infections (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Drug Interactions: It is not known whether the efficacy of Plan B would be affected by other medications.

DOSAGE: Take both tablets as soon as possible.

FOLLOW-UP CARE:

1. For evaluation for consistent, reliable method of birth control
2. If no period within 7 days of expected time.

If the Student Health Center is closed call 1-800-NOT-2-LATE for the nearest prescriber.