5Plan B Effectiveness
If you take Plan B within 3 days after having unprotected sex, the medication may lower the likelihood of pregnancy by up to 90 percent. According to the manufacturer, the earlier you take the medication, the more effective the protection will be. However, keep in mind that several medications and supplements would change the effectiveness of Plan B. These include St. John’s wort, griseofulvin, rifampin, HIV drugs, or seizure medications, such as primidone, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine. Make sure to consult your doctor if you are taking these medications before purchasing Plan B. [7]
Possible Side Effects
In general, Plan B is safe to take. Compared to birth control pills, the medication contains more hormone. However, the hormone does not remain in your body for a long period after taking. Some mild side effects may occur, such as breast tenderness, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, cramps or pain in the abdomen, or headaches. In some cases, there may be some temporary changes in the menstrual cycle. The period would come later or earlier, or it would become lighter or heavier. Certain individuals may even notice spotting between their periods. Most of these side effects are mild and tend to disappear soon. [8]
