Plan B is now available over the counter. Here’s what you need to know…

As of Sunday, July 14, 2013, the emergency contraceptive known as Plan B One Step will be available over the counter (OTC) on the shelves of pharmacies across the country. You can read the FDA press announcement here, but basically government-issued identification will no longer be required and you don’t have to wait for the pharmacy to open in order to buy it.  Previously, Plan B — or The Morning After pill, as some commonly call it – was only available behind the counter (BTC) for women ages 17 and over and by prescription only for women under 17.

There is still a lot we don’t know about The Morning After pill.  While making this contraceptive available over the counter will make it more accessible to women in need, there is also a risk that those who use it may not get the proper information they need from the pharmacist. No matter your opinion or stance on contraceptive options in general, from a pharmaceutical standpoint I believe the best way to approach such a controversial matter is to educate people about the subject.  Wouldn’t you want to know about something you’re putting in your body?

How it’s taken: This is a one-time dose of the same hormones found in oral contraceptive pills – but at an extremely high dose — that is efficacious within the window of 72 hours after the sexual encounter in question.  Essentially, the sooner you take it, the better. There have been studies that show little to no effect after that 72 hour window. Most importantly: Plan B will not terminate an existing pregnancy.

Side effects may include changes in your period, nausea, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and dizziness. 

Safety:  Plan B will not protect against STD or HIV infections, so it is still advisable to use a condom to protect yourself.

What you may not expect: It is priced in the $50. In most drugstores, this is a high value item.  Do not be surprised to find it locked in a case the way you find fragrances in a department store, or in individual security boxes.

When to call your doctor: If you experience severe abdominal pain or suspect you may be pregnant, pick up the phone and call your doctor.  Although this may cause some menstrual irregularities, you don’t know that it is effective until you get your next period.  If you suspect you may be pregnant, schedule an appointment for a pregnancy test.

Remember, just because you don’t have to go to the pharmacy to buy it, doesn’t mean the pharmacist won’t answer your questions.  If you have any concerns about Plan B or other health issues, the pharmacist is a great (and free!) tool to answer your questions or to guide you in the right direction to get you the best results. Knowledge is power — and I can think of no better thing to be educated about than your own reproductive health.

-, PharmD