A patient who came to the pharmacy the other day to buy Plan B had an interesting question for me – what will happen to me if I’m not pregnant and I take Plan B?

 

From this question, I could tell the patient was confused about how Plan B works – “the morning-after pill” doesn’t end a pregnancy, but keeps it from happening instead (read “When all else fails…there’s Plan B”).  Also, it seemed like she was concerned about what it would do to her body (side effects).

 

Needless to say, I cleared her confusion up by telling her how Plan B works (click on the link above) and gave her the following information about what to expect after taking it:

 

1)    The most common side effect is nausea (taking the tablets with food may keep this problem away).

 

2)    Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea are possible too.

 

3)    You may feel tired or dizzy and may get a headache.

 

4)    When you have your next period, it may be heavier or lighter in flow.

 

5)    You may get some breast soreness as well.

 

6)    There is about an 85% chance your next period will start when it is supposed to – not too early or late!

 

7)    If you want to try to get pregnant next month, your chances of doing so should not be lowered because you took Plan B (if you take it how you’re supposed to!)

 

By the time the patient left the pharmacy, she felt more comfortable with taking Plan B because she now knew what to expect, and I was extra happy to have been able to help her. 

 

If you have the same concerns as this patient did and you’re still a little worried, definitely leave a comment, or e-mail me at cate@getpharmacyadvice.com – I’ll be more than willing to help you!