Do I need a prescription to get an emergency contraceptive?
You do not need a prescription to get an emergency contraceptive if you are over the age of 17.
In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration approved over-the-counter (OTC) sales of the
emergency contraceptive drug Plan B One-Step®
(one 1.5 mg levonorgestrel tablet) and Next Choice®
(two 0.75 mg levonorgestrel tablets) to men or women age 17 years and older. Women under age 17
years old will require a prescription to obtain either form of emergency contraception.
Plan B One-Step®
and Next Choice® are
sold only in stores staffed by a licensed pharmacist. A person must show a government issued
form of identification to verify age (example: Driver's License, State ID, or Passport) in
order to purchase either medication from behind the pharmacy.
Learn more about safe sex and birth
control in the Health Encyclopedia.
If you're looking for more specific answers to specific questions, ask a Walgreens pharmacist here.
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health condition. Consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition.
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