Plan B Side Effects
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What is Plan B and are there any side effects?
Plan B One-Step®, aka the morning-after pill, is an over-the-counter (OTC) emergency contraceptive pill that helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your other birth control method failed (i.e., the condom broke or you forgot to take your regular birth control). The sooner you take the pill, the better it works. While Plan B is often used interchangeably with emergency contraception, it is its own brand of the morning-after pill.
Plan B and other OTC morning-after pills, like Julie and Aftera, all contain the same 1.5mg of levonorgestrel, a hormone that works by delaying ovulation. If sperm can’t reach the egg, it can’t be fertilized. No fertilization means no chance of pregnancy. The morning-after pill is most effective if taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex but can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days). For more on how the morning-after pill works, read this.
Plan B and Julie are FDA-approved and very safe to take, but like any medication, there are potential side effects. Let’s go over the most common side effects and how long they last.
10 Side Effects and How Long They Last
Plan B’s side effects, though limited, are common. Every person can respond differently to medication. Some women might experience light side effects, and some may feel them more severely. Some might not experience them at all. Here are ten common Plan B side effects and how long they typically last:
Nausea
Nausea is one of the most common side effects. It can occur shortly after taking Plan B and can last for a few hours to a couple of days. Be sure to take the pill with food and drink fluids. If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, you may need to take the pill again. If this happens it’s best to contact a medical provider for guidance.
Lower Abdominal Pain
Lower abdominal pain can be similar to cramping. It’s typically mild and short-lived, lasting for a few hours or up to a day. Apply a heating pad to the lower abdomen or take OTC pain relievers to help manage the discomfort. If the pain intensifies or lasts longer than a day, seek medical attention.
Bleeding Between Periods
Irregular bleeding, or spotting between periods, is another common occurrence. Like other symptoms, it’s temporary and should go away within a week or two. If the bleeding becomes heavy or persists for an extended period, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Irregular Period
Your menstrual cycle’s regularity might be disrupted if you take Plan B. Your period may arrive earlier or later than expected, but like other side effects, this irregularity isn’t permanent. Your menstrual cycle should return to its normal pattern on the next cycle. For more on why the morning-after pill affects your period, read this.
Breast Tenderness
Breast tenderness or sensitivity can also occur after taking the pill. Though uncomfortable, it’s usually mild and subsides within a few days. Wear loose clothing or apply warm or cold compresses to relieve the discomfort.
Headache
Headaches caused by taking the morning-after pill are typically mild, resolving on their own within a day or two. You can rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take OTC pain relievers to alleviate the pain.
Mood Swings
Mood swings, or changes in your mood, are usually temporary and should subside within a few days. Engaging in stress-reducing activities, talking to a supportive friend, or practicing relaxation techniques (like meditation or breathing exercises) can help manage these emotional changes.
Stomach Pain
Stomach pain is another possible side effect. It’s typically mild and short-lived, lasting a few hours to a day. Resting, applying a heating pad to the abdomen, and avoiding heavy or spicy foods can help alleviate stomach discomfort.
Fatigue
Fatigue, or feeling excessively tired or low on energy, is another common symptom. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and engage in light physical activity to help combat fatigue. Its effect should reduce in a day or two.
Dizziness
If you’re experiencing dizziness, avoid activities that require alertness or balance until the dizziness subsides. This side effect is usually mild, lasting for a short period of time. If dizziness persists, be sure to contact your healthcare provider.
Managing Side Effects
These side effects can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, they can be managed at home. Be sure to rest up, hydrate, and take it easy. Here are some other useful tips:
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Take the pill with food
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Stay hydrated, and drink plenty of fluids
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Apply a heating pad or take OTC pain relievers, like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), if pain occurs
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Practice relaxation techniques or engage in stress-reducing activities
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Rest and get enough sleep
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Avoid activities that require alertness, like driving, if you feel out of focus
When to Contact a Healthcare Professional
Plan B’s side effects are temporary and subside on their own in almost all cases. Nevertheless, seek medical advice if you experience severe or persistent symptoms. Contact a healthcare professional if:
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You’ve vomited within two hours of taking the pill
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You’ve soaked through a pad or tampon within 2-3 hours from heavy or prolonged bleeding
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You experience severe abdominal pain or discomfort
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Your side effects worsen or persist beyond a few days
FAQ
When do Plan B side effects start?
Plan B side effects vary from person to person. Some women may experience side effects shortly after taking the pill, while others may not experience any at all. Remember, everybody is different. The presence or absence of side effects isn’t an indication of pill effectiveness.
Does the morning-after pill impact future fertility?
No, the morning-after pill, including Plan B, does not impact future fertility. It’s a safe and effective form of emergency contraception and doesn’t affect your ability to get pregnant in the future, no matter how many times you take it.
How will this affect my menstrual cycle?
Plan B can temporarily disrupt your menstrual cycle’s regularity. Your next period may arrive earlier or later than expected, but your cycle isn’t permanently altered and should return to its normal pattern in subsequent cycles.
Which side effects are long-term?
There are no long-term side effects of Plan B. Any side effects should resolve within a few days or, in the case of menstrual cycle changes, a month or two. If you have any concerns about prolonged side effects, consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Does Plan B affect breastfeeding?
Plan B and Julie are safe to use while breastfeeding. The hormones in the medication are unlikely to have a significant impact on milk supply or the health of your baby. But, if you have specific concerns, consult with a healthcare professional.
