Plan B (levonorgestrel), an emergency contraceptive, may cause side effects that are typically mild and short-lived.[1]
- Changes to your next period: Your period may be lighter, heavier, earlier, or later than usual.[1]
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Headache or migraine
- Lower abdominal or stomach pain/cramps
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Dizziness
- Spotting or breakthrough bleeding
These side effects generally resolve within a few days.[3] If you vomit within two hours of taking Plan B, consult your healthcare provider to see if you need another dose.[1]
Less common or rare side effects may include:
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Uterine or pelvic pain
- Ovarian cysts (uncommon; more often reported with long-term levonorgestrel use)[6]
Serious or uncommon side effects:
- Severe allergic reactions: Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms like hives, swelling of the face or throat, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting.[2]
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding: If you soak through a full tampon or pad every hour for more than 2–3 hours or pass large clots, contact your healthcare provider.[5]
- Severe lower abdominal pain: This could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus), which can be life-threatening and requires urgent care.[2]
If your period is more than a week late after taking Plan B, take a pregnancy test.[1] Plan B is not intended as regular birth control and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.[7]
References
- [1] Plan B Possible Side Effects | Plan B One-Step®
- [2] Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step, My Way, and others) – WebMD
- [3] 9 Plan B Side Effects You Should Know About – GoodRx
- [5] Day-After Pill: Side Effects and When to Seek Medical Advice
- [6] Levonorgestrel – Wikipedia
- [7] Levonorgestrel Emergency Contraception: Plan B – WebMD
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