| The following
information is a summary about Plan B. It is
not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
(Levonorgestrel)
USES
Plan B (Levonorgestrel) is an emergency contraceptive
that can be used to prevent pregnancy following
unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected
contraceptive failure.
HOW TO
TAKE THIS MEDICATION
Each Plan B (Levonorgestrel) packet includes
a single course of treatment and consists of
two tablets; each tablet contains 0.75 mg Levonorgestrel.
The first tablet should be taken orally as soon
as possible within 72 hours (three days) of
unprotected intercourse. The second tablet must
be taken 12 hours later. Plan B (Levonorgestrel)
is not a substitute for routine methods of birth
control. Plan B does not provide protection
from HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and other
sexually transmitted infections.
SIDE EFFECTS
If you experience any of the following serious
side effects, stop taking Plan B (Levonorgestrel)
and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face;
or hives); or severe pain or tenderness in the
stomach area. Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
Plan B (Levonorgestrel) and talk to your doctor
if you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
fatigue, headache, changes in menstrual bleeding
(spotting, earlier or later menstrual period,
heavier or lighter menstrual bleeding, longer
or shorter menstrual period), dizziness or breast
tenderness. Side effects other than those listed
here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about
any side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking Plan B (Levonorgestrel), tell
your doctor if you have high blood pressure,
angina, or heart disease; have had a stroke;
have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
have breast, uterine, or another hormone-related
cancer; have liver disease; have undiagnosed,
abnormal vaginal bleeding; have migraines or
severe, recurrent headaches; have diabetes;
or smoke. You may not be able to take Plan B
(Levonorgestrel), or you may require special
monitoring during treatment if you have any
of the conditions listed above. Plan B (Levonorgestrel)
should not be used at any time during pregnancy
except in an attempt to prevent pregnancy within
72 hours following unprotected sexual intercourse.
Plan B (Levonorgestrel) passes into breast milk.
Do not take Plan B (Levonorgestrel) without
first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Some drugs may decrease the effectiveness of
Plan B (Levonorgestrel), which may result in
pregnancy. Before taking Plan B (Levonorgestrel),
talk to your doctor if you are taking any of
the following medicines: a barbiturate such
as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol),
mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal),
or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); a seizure
or pain medicine such as phenytoin (Dilantin)
or carbamazepine (Tegretol); or rifampin (Rifadin,
Rimactane). You may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you
are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also
interact with Plan B (Levonorgestrel). Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking
any prescription or over-the-counter medicines,
including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
MISSED
DOSE
For maximum effectiveness, the first dose should
be taken within 72 hours of intercourse. Patients
may take this medication after the initial 72
hour period, but effectiveness gradually declines
after this initial timeframe.
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Xenical
