EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION (PLAN B)

Emergency contraception (EC) is a safe and effective back-up method of birth control that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.

There are two ways to access Plan B in Maine…

AT THE COUNTER

There is no age restriction to access ECPs

No government issued ID is required

Only women can buy them

There needs to be a trained pharmacist available to offer these through this program

You can only buy how many are in the prewritten prescription the pharmacist has on file

Key Fact Sheet, Informed consent form is required at time of request, referrals are recommended

You have to ask the pharmacists or clerk for them

OVER THE COUNTER

You need to be 18 years or older to access them

Government issued ID is required

Men and women can purchase them

Any pharmacist or clerk can sell them to you

You can buy as many packages of ECPs as you want

No forms are necessary for you to receive or sign

You have to ask the clerk or pharmacists for them, as you will not find them on the shelves.

Call your local pharmacy to find out more about Emergency Contraception Availability (Plan B).

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I begin my birth control pills after I take ECPs (emergency contraception)?

If you are starting them for the first time use the regular patient instruction detail sheet found in the packet to guide you. Use a back-up method of birth control until your first period on that method.

If you are doing a quick start to initiate the birth control pill, then take the EC first, then start a new packet of birth control pills on the next day and use an additional birth control method for the next 7 days.

Caution: get a pregnancy test if you do not have a period after completing the first package of pills.

Will the ECs affect my ability to get pregnant in the future?

It will not affect your ability to get pregnant in the future.

If I take it and I am already pregnant will it hurt the pregnancy?

If you are already pregnant, there is no documentation that EC will harm the fetus.

Remember: EC DOES NOT CAUSE AN ABORTION. It has no effect if you are already pregnant.

How do emergency contraceptives work?

This information is from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services EC site:

Emergency contraception can keep you from becoming pregnant by:

Keeping the egg from leaving the ovary

OR

Keeping the sperm from meeting the egg

OR

Keeping the fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus (womb)

If you are already pregnant, emergency contraception will NOT work.

Who is eligible for ECs?

Eligibility is based on normal menstrual period in the last 4 weeks and the first act of unprotected intercourse within the last 120 hours.

Who should not take EC?

Known or suspected pregnancy
Hypersensitivity to any component of the product
Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding

Is it OK to give repeated ECPs?

Yes! The International Consortium for Emergency Contraception made that statement in 2003. However, ECPs are less effective at preventing pregnancy than other hormonal contraceptive methods. Women choosing to take ECPs should start the method as early as possible after unprotected sex. ECPs don’t protect against STIs and that barrier methods should be used if at risk.

When will I get my period after taking ECPs?

Most women get their menses within 3 days some between 4 to 8 days. If you do not have your menses within three weeks after taking the ECPs you will need a pregnancy test.

Hotlines

National:
1-888-NOT-2-LATE

Maine Only - Find A Clinic:
1-877-326-2345

FAQs

Did you know?

In 2004, Maine passed a law that made it possible to get EC right at-the-counter (ATC) at participating pharmacies without having to wait to make a doctor’s appointment or get to a health clinic.

In August 2006 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced approval of Plan B as an over-the-counter (OTC) option for women aged 18 and older. Plan B is often referred to as emergency contraception or the “morning after pill.”

More information

backupyourbirthcontrol.org