What is Plan B®?
Plan B® is an emergency contraceptive pill
Also known as the original morning-after pill, Plan B® is designed to be used when your usual birth control method has failed or been forgotten and you don’t want to get pregnant. Whether you’ve missed a few pills, the condom broke or slipped off, or you forgot to insert your diaphragm, you can choose Plan B® as a form of emergency contraception.
Plan B® can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but the sooner you take it, the more effective it is.
One Pill. One Step.
Plan B® is the first levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill to be authorized for sale in Canada. For many years, it was only available in a two-tablet format, but it is now in a convenient one-tablet format. This format offers women the same trusted method of emergency contraception in a convenient one-tablet dose.
Each tablet contains 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel—an ingredient that is also commonly found in birth control pills. Plan B® can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours and preferably within 12 hours after a contraceptive accident or unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the more effective it will be.
Most women can take Plan B®
Plan B® has been used by millions of women across Canada. Speak to your pharmacist to find out if levonorgestrel-containing emergency contraception medication is right for you. Be sure to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Plan B® if you have any of the following conditions: undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, known or suspected breast cancer, active liver disease or tumour, high blood pressure, diabetes, or if you are taking any prescription drugs, if you are breastfeeding, or if you have a confirmed or suspected pregnancy.
Also make sure that you’re not allergic to levonorgestrel or any of the non-medicinal ingredients contained in Plan B®: colloidal silicon dioxide, potato starch, magnesium stearate, talc, corn starch and lactose monohydrate.
What it’s not
Plan B® is not an abortion pill. It won’t work if you’re already pregnant, or if you think you are. It won’t affect an existing pregnancy.
Plan B® does not provide protection against HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs/STIs).
Plan B® is not for long-term protection against pregnancy. It only works to prevent pregnancy following one specific incident of unprotected sex if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
Plan B® should not be considered as your regular contraceptive. If you’re even rarely or occasionally sexually active, find out about all available contraceptives and discuss them with your healthcare provider to see which one is best for you.
How do I talk to my friend, family member, or partner about taking Plan B?
Not sure how to bring up the topic of taking Plan B? Try the tips below.
Start with the facts. This site is full of information to help you have a conversation about Plan B—whether it’s with a friend, family member, or partner.
Plan ahead. Consider making a list of what you want to discuss and try practicing the conversation out loud. Think about potential responses to any concerns your friend/family member/partner might have.
Find the right time and place. Make sure you have a private place to discuss Plan B—a place where you won’t get interrupted or feel rushed.
Be respectful. Respect what the other person is thinking and feeling. Be open to other opinions, but remember: it’s your body and your choice.
Practice safe sex. Discuss future contraception. Safe sex is important, even if you’re in a monogamous relationship (remember: neither birth control pills nor emergency contraception like Plan B protect against STDs or HIV/AIDS).
Once you’ve calmly communicated your thoughts, ask your partner what they think about Plan B® and using emergency contraception. Being open to their opinions and feelings will enable the two of you to make the right decision, together.