Before taking the Morning After Pill (also known as "Plan B One Step"), you should understand what it is, what it could mean to your health and how it works. Make an appointment and one of our nurses will be happy to discuss it with you.

What is it?

The "morning after pill" is a large dose of oral contraceptive  known as Plan B One Step, the pill is one tablet,  taken within 72 hours of intercourse.   It is NOT the same as RU-486.

How does it work?

Plan B One Step is believed to act as an emergency contraceptive principally by preventing ovulation or fertilization. In addition, it may inhibit implantation. It is not effective once the process of implantation has begun.

Things to consider

• Emergency contraception is not effective if a woman is already pregnant.
• Plan B does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
• The most common side effects in the Plan B clinical trial were menstrual changes, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue and headache.
• The manufacturer warns that Plan B is not recommended for routine use as a contraceptive.