What are the side effects of emergency contraceptives?
There are some minor side effects of emergency contraceptives. The emergency contraceptives Plan B One-Step®
and Next Choice® are
made from levonorgestrel - a common ingredient of many birth control pills. Some of the side
effects are similar to those of regular birth control pills such as: nausea, abdominal pain,
tiredness, headache, dizziness, and breast tenderness.
Some women may experience changes in their menstrual cycle after taking Plan B One-Step® or
Next Choice® -
spotting or bleeding before their next expected cycle, heavier or lighter bleeding - or they
may start their period earlier or later than usual. Most women should expect to get their
period at their expected time or within a week of their expected time. However, if your period
is more than a week late, you may be pregnant and should contact your healthcare
provider.
Important Note: If you are taking Plan B One-Step® or
Next Choice® and
vomit within 1 hour of taking either medication, then call your healthcare provider immediately
to determine whether you need to repeat the dose.
Remember that Plan B One-Step® or
Next Choice® is
not meant to be a routine method of birth control. In addition, neither medication protects
against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
Learn more about safe sex and birth
control in our Health Encyclopedia.
If you're looking for more specific answers to specific questions, ask a Walgreens pharmacist here.
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