Court says morning-after pill OK, no script

Last month, a federal court ordered the FDA to allow women 17 years and older to receive Plan B (0.75 mg levonorgestrel) without a prescription. Plan B is the so-called morning after pill. The FDA didn’t appeal this decision so, according to a press release issued today,  the “FDA notified the manufacturer of Plan B informing the company that it may, upon submission and approval of an appropriate application, market Plan B without a prescription to women 17 years of age and older.”

The medication is already available in Canada without a prescription but in a few provinces, it’s kept behind the counter so a pharmacist can judge if it’s appropriate for each individual woman. The other provinces allow it to be sold on the shelves in the contraceptive section.

What is Plan B?

Plan B is a medication, if taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse, may prevent pregnancy and appears to be 89% effective.

Is it an abortion?

Plan B is not considered to be an abortion. It can do one of three things: temporarily stop an egg from exiting the ovary, prevents fertilization of the egg by the sperm, or prevents a fertilized egg from attaching itself to the uterus.

Is it safe?

Plan B is considered to be safe and few complications have been reported. In areas where it’s available off the shelves, it’s likely a very good idea to speak to a pharmacist anyway to be sure that it’s safe for you to take.

Who shouldn’t take Plan B?

Plan B isn’t something you should take a bunch of for one possible pregnancy. Recommendations are that you shouldn’t take more than 2.

Don’t take Plan B without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following problems:

• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Breast cancer
• Suspected breast cancer
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease

You also shouldn’t take Plan B if you’re breastfeeding or if you’re taking other medications because of possible interactions.

~~~~~

Image: Newscom