Emergency Contraceptive Pill

(Plan B ®, Ovral ®)


What it is... How to use it...

• Contains high doses of estrogen or progestin.
• Can be used up to five days after unprotected intercourse but is most effective if taken within the first 24 hours.
• Plan B®: take one pill right away and the second 12 hours later or both at the same time.
• Ovral®: first 2 pills taken right away and the next 2 two hours later.
• For emergencies only does not provide ongoing protection against pregnancy.

• Plan B® effectiveness:
  • First 24 hours — 95%
  • 25–48 hours — 85%
  • After 72 hours — 58% or less
  
  
• Ovral® effectiveness:
  • First 24 hours — 77%
  • 25–48 hours — 36%
  • After 72 hours — 31%

• Can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or if the birth control method used has failed.
• Can be purchased prior and kept on hand in case of an emergency.
• Can have a prescription on file that lasts for one year.

• Does not protect against STIs.
• May cause light bleeding/spotting headaches, cramps, breast tenderness.
• May cause nausea and vomiting especially when taking 2 pills at a time; can be taken with anti-nausea medication i.e. Gravol®

• Is available at pharmacies and online without a prescription. May be covered by some health care plans with a prescription.