Emergency Contraception FAQs

Q. How do I take the pills for Emergency Birth Control?

A. Take a urine pregnancy test to make sure that you are not already pregnant. If you discover that you are pregnant, do not use the Emergency Birth Control method. If you are not pregnant and decide to use this method, follow the instructions below after discussing them with your health care provider. The following is a list of oral contraceptives which the FDA have found to be effective as emergency contraception. The pills are taken in two doses, twelve hours apart.

* Take pills from the first three weeks of the birth control packet. ** Take pills from the third week of the birth control packet (pills are yellow). Be certain to see your health care provider in conjunction with using this series of pills.

First Dose:

• Swallow the pills in the first dose no later than 72 hours - three days - after having unprotected sex. The treatment is most effective if the first does is taken immediately after unprotected sex.
• In order to prevent nausea, you may want to eat saltines or soda crackers while taking each dose.'
• If you vomit within three hours of taking the first dose, take the second dose immediately.

Second Dose:

• Swallow the second dose 12 hours after taking the first dose.
• If you vomit after taking the second dose, call your healthcare provider immediately.

Q. I am not currently taking oral contraceptives; are there any prescription drugs my doctor can prescribe as emergency contraception?

A. Yes. The Food and Drug Administration has approved two prescription medications for use as emergency contraception: Preven (approved 09/01/98) and Plan B (approved 07/28/98). Contact your health care provider to obtain a prescription or infomation about these drugs.

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