Use --EC

Use

The first dose of EC is taken within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. The second dose is usually taken 12 hours later. EC may be taken after 120 hours, but its effectiveness is lower.

If you vomit within a half hour of taking EC, call your clinic. Vomiting can decrease the effectiveness of EC. To decrease nausea and vomiting take an anti-vomiting medication 30 minutes before taking the first dose. Some over the counter medications include Benadryl and Dramamine. Take as directed on the package. Both can cause drowsiness.

Take EC with food, preferably a full meal.

Plan B is one brand of EC. It has two progesterone pills. Birth control pills that have both estrogen and progesterone can also be used for EC. Choose only one type of pill to take for EC. The chart below contains the dosage information for some common brands of birth control pills. Some birth control packages have several different colors. It is important to take the exact color on this chart. Brands not listed have not been tested for their effectiveness.


1st Dose - Take within 72 hours of intercourse
2nd Dose - Take 12 hours after 1st dose

Plan B - Specially designed for use as EC 1 pill 1 pill
Regular Birth Control Pills 1st Dose - Take within 72 hours of intercourse 2nd Dose - Take 12 hours after 1st dose
Alesse 5 pink pills 5 pink pills
Levlen 4 orange pills 4 orange pills
Levlite 5 pink pills 5 pink pills
Levora 4 white pills 4 white pills
Lo-Ovral 4 white pills 4 white pills
Nordette 4 orange pills 4 orange pills
Ovral 2 white pills 2 white pills
Ovrette 20 pills (take within 48 hours of intercourse) 20 pills more
Tri-Levlen 4 yellow pills 4 yellow pills
Trivora 4 pink pills 4 pink pills
Triphasil 4 yellow pills 4 yellow pills

After taking EC, your usual period should begin within 2 or 3 weeks. After two weeks, you can take a pregnancy test. If your period does not come within 3 weeks or if you are pregnant, visit your clinic.