Plan B

A federal judge ruling on Friday that the Food and Drug Administration has to lift age restrictions on emergency contraception has set up choices for pharmacists, consumers and theObama administration about whether this is the end of the controversy.

The ruling overturns a decision in 2011 by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that barred over-the-counter sales of the controversial pill to girls under 17. Sebelius' decision itself had overruled an FDA recommendation to widen availability of the drug.

The pill, popularly known as "Plan B," typically works up to 72 hours after intercourse, and is distinct from the so-called "abortion pill."

Depending upon where you are in your cycle, Plan B or Plan B One-Step may work in one of these ways:

It may prevent or delay ovulation.

It may interfere with fertilization of an egg.

It is also possible that this type of emergency birth control prevents implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus by altering its lining.

Plan B or Plan B One-Step is not the same as RU-486, which is an abortion pill. It does not cause a miscarriage or abortion. In other words, it does not stop development of a fetus once the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. So it will not work if you are already pregnant when you take it.

Potential side effects of Plan B or Plan B One-Step include:

nausea

abdominal pain

fatigue

headache

menstrual changes

dizziness

breast tenderness

vomiting

diarrhea

While I think that knowledge is power and young women should have the choice, I also feel it is imperative that you meet with your doctor prior to taking anything to discuss the long-term risks. I am also concerned that too many women will use this as their form of birth control rather than the emergency contraceptive it is meant to be.

 

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