Take levonorgestrel as soon as possible
You do not need to wait until the next morning. If unprotected sex or a birth-control failure has happened, the most useful next step is to read the label and act promptly.
The name “morning-after pill” can make the timing sound more complicated than it is. You do not have to wait until morning, and morning is not a deadline. Levonorgestrel emergency contraception—sold as Plan B One-Step® and generic products such as My Choice, My Way® and Take Action®—should be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or birth-control failure.
When should you take the morning-after pill?
Take a levonorgestrel 1.5 mg morning-after pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex or birth-control failure and within the product label's 72-hour window. There is no benefit to waiting until the next morning. If more than 72 hours have passed, contact a healthcare professional promptly about other emergency-contraception options.
When might someone consider emergency contraception?
Levonorgestrel is a backup method intended for use after unprotected sex or a known or suspected birth-control failure. The situation may feel different for every person, but common examples include:
No birth control was used
Emergency contraception may be considered after sex without a contraceptive method.
A condom broke or slipped
A condom problem can count as birth-control failure. Act promptly rather than waiting to see what happens.
Regular contraception was missed
Whether emergency contraception is recommended can depend on the method and what was missed. Follow that product's instructions or ask a healthcare professional.
A method was used incorrectly
Late doses, application problems or other mistakes may change protection. Check the regular method's instructions for next steps.
If you are unsure whether your situation counts as contraceptive failure, a pharmacist or other healthcare professional can help you interpret the instructions for the method you use.
What does the 72-hour window mean?
The FDA advises people using levonorgestrel emergency contraception to follow the product directions exactly and take it as soon as possible within 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The clock starts from the event—not from the next morning or the time you purchase the product.
Read the label and take the tablet
If the event just happened and levonorgestrel is the option you have selected, there is no reason to delay the dose until a particular time of day.
You are still within the labeled window
Take the tablet promptly and follow all package directions. Earlier use within that window is preferred.
Ask about other choices now
Do not assume that you are out of options. Other emergency-contraception methods have different timing requirements, so contact a healthcare professional promptly.
A levonorgestrel tablet can be taken at any time of day. The important measurement is the time since unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
How does levonorgestrel emergency contraception work?
According to the FDA, levonorgestrel emergency contraception works before the release of an egg from the ovary, usually by stopping or delaying ovulation. Taking it sooner matters because its action depends in part on where you are in your cycle.
It is not the abortion pill. Levonorgestrel will not work if you are already pregnant and will not end or affect an existing pregnancy. It also does not protect against HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections.
Can you take the morning-after pill before sex?
The product is labeled for use after unprotected sex or birth-control failure. A dose does not provide ongoing protection for sex that happens later. For protection going forward, use a regular contraceptive method and follow its instructions.
What should you do after taking levonorgestrel?
Once the dose is taken, a few practical follow-up steps can make the next several weeks feel less uncertain.
- Keep the package so you can refer back to the Drug Facts.
- Note the date and approximate time you took the tablet.
- Expect that your next period may arrive earlier or later.
- Use protection for any sex that occurs after the dose.
- Know what to do if you vomit shortly after taking it.
- Plan when a pregnancy test would be appropriate.
Can you restart regular birth control right away?
CDC guidance says a regular contraceptive method may be started or resumed immediately after a levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill. The CDC also advises abstaining from sex or using a barrier method, such as condoms, for 7 days. Because instructions can vary by regular method, follow that method's directions or ask a healthcare professional.
What if you vomit after taking the tablet?
Follow the exact instructions on your selected product. The My Choice Drug Facts label advises asking a healthcare professional whether to repeat the dose if you vomit within 2 hours after taking it.
How do you know whether the morning-after pill worked?
You cannot tell from the presence or absence of side effects. Spotting, nausea or having no noticeable symptoms does not confirm whether levonorgestrel worked.
Your next period and a pregnancy test provide more useful follow-up information. The product label advises taking a pregnancy test if your period is more than one week late. CDC guidance also advises a pregnancy test if you do not have a withdrawal bleed within 3 weeks.
Seek prompt medical care for severe lower abdominal pain 3 to 5 weeks after taking levonorgestrel. This may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which requires medical evaluation.
When should you contact a healthcare professional?
Ask for professional guidance promptly if:
- More than 72 hours have passed and you need to discuss other emergency-contraception options.
- You are unsure whether your regular birth-control method failed.
- You vomited soon after taking the tablet.
- Your period is more than one week late or you do not have a withdrawal bleed within 3 weeks.
- You develop severe lower abdominal pain 3 to 5 weeks later.
- You take efavirenz, rifampin or seizure medications, which the My Choice label says may reduce levonorgestrel's effectiveness.
Five timing points to remember
- Do not wait until morning—take levonorgestrel as soon as possible.
- Follow the product label's 72-hour window.
- If more time has passed, ask promptly about other options.
- The dose does not protect sex that happens afterward.
- Use your next period and a pregnancy test—not side effects—as follow-up checkpoints.
Keep My Choice within reach
My Choice contains one levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablet for emergency contraception after unprotected sex or birth-control failure. Review the Drug Facts, current price and available package options before ordering.
My Choice · 1 tablet
A compact single-tablet option that can be kept available so there is less delay if it is needed.
Shop My Choice → Always read and follow the selected product's complete Drug Facts label.Frequently asked questions
When should you take the morning-after pill?
Take a levonorgestrel 1.5 mg morning-after pill as soon as possible within 72 hours, or 3 days, after unprotected sex or birth-control failure. Follow the complete product directions.
Do you have to wait until the morning to take Plan B?
No. “Morning-after pill” is a nickname, not a dosing schedule. Levonorgestrel can be taken at any time of day, and it should be taken as soon as possible.
Can you take levonorgestrel after a condom breaks?
A broken or slipped condom can count as contraceptive failure. Levonorgestrel emergency contraception is labeled for use after contraceptive failure and should be taken as soon as possible within 72 hours.
Should you take emergency contraception after missing a birth-control pill?
It depends on the birth-control method, how many doses were missed and when they were missed. Follow the missed-dose instructions for your regular method or ask a healthcare professional.
What if more than 72 hours have passed?
Contact a healthcare professional promptly. Other emergency-contraception options have different timing requirements, so do not assume that no options remain.
Can you take the morning-after pill before sex?
Levonorgestrel emergency contraception is labeled for use after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. A dose does not provide ongoing protection for sex that occurs later.
When can you restart regular birth control?
CDC guidance says regular contraception may be started or resumed immediately after levonorgestrel emergency contraception. Abstain from sex or use a barrier method, such as condoms, for 7 days, and follow the instructions for your regular method.
When should you take a pregnancy test?
Take a pregnancy test if your period is more than one week late. CDC guidance also advises testing if you do not have a withdrawal bleed within 3 weeks.
Sources
Comments