Yes, but it is advised to use a non-hormonal emergency method (e.g., copper IUD) if you are on combined estrogen-containing pills, due to a slightly increased risk of blood clots. Consult a pharmacist for guidance.
Plan B works best when taken within the first 24 hours, but it remains effective up to 72 hours after intercourse. Efficacy declines with each passing hour.
If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of ingestion, take a second 1.5 mg tablet. If you vomit again, seek medical advice for further management.
No. Levonorgestrel does not have any long-term impact on a woman’s ability to conceive in subsequent cycles.
Levonorgestrel is excreted in breast milk in very low amounts. It is generally considered safe, but occasional reduced milk supply can occur. Discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional.
No special preparation is required. The tablet can be taken with or without food. If you are prone to nausea, taking it with a light snack may help.
Levonorgestrel works mainly by preventing ovulation and must be taken within 72 hours. A copper IUD can be inserted up to 5 days after intercourse and provides ongoing contraception for up to 10 years.
Yes, it can cause your period to arrive earlier or later than expected, and spotting may occur. This is a normal side effect.
Enzyme-inducing drugs such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, griseofulvin, and St John’s wort can lower levonorgestrel levels, reducing its efficacy.
Plan B is marketed for female use only. While there is no legal restriction preventing a man from buying it, it should only be taken by a person with a uterus after unprotected intercourse.
Plan B is an over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pill available in the United Kingdom. It contains levonorgestrel (1.5 mg) as the active ingredient and belongs to the Women’s Health therapeutic category. The medication is supplied as a single-dose tablet that can be purchased without a prescription from pharmacies. Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestogen that works primarily by preventing or delaying ovulation after unprotected sexual intercourse.
Levonorgestrel exerts its contraceptive effect through several mechanisms that are most effective when the medication is taken as soon as possible after intercourse:
Because its primary action is to block ovulation, the effectiveness of Plan B diminishes the longer the interval between unprotected intercourse and pill intake.
In the UK, Plan B is licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for emergency contraception. The approved indication is:
Plan B is not intended for ongoing birth control and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
These reactions are usually mild and resolve within a few days.
Levonorgestrel is metabolised partly by the hepatic enzyme CYP3A4. Certain medicines can reduce its efficacy:
If you are taking any of these drugs, discuss alternative emergency contraception (e.g., copper intrauterine device) with a pharmacist or clinician.
This article provides educational information about Plan B and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Treatment decisions, including the use of emergency contraception for unapproved indications, must be made under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. The content is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical recommendations. Always consult a physician before starting, stopping, or changing any medication regimen.
