Before taking the “Morning After Pill” (Plan B One-Step7) or EllaR 15, you should understand what it is, what it could mean to your health and how it works. Call for an appointment and one of our staff will be happy to discuss it with you, confirm if you're pregnant and advise you on your options.

Morning After Pill (Plan B)

What is it?

The “morning after pill” is a large dose of oral contraceptive levonorgestrel, a progestin hormone found in some birth control pills. Plan B One-StepTM consists of one pill taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It is NOT the same as RU-486 the “abortion pill”.

How does it work?

Plan B One-StepTM is believed to act as an emergency contraceptive principally by preventing the egg and sperm from coming together by delaying ovulation. In addition, it may prevent a newly formed life from implanting in the uterus which is considered an early abortion. It is not effective once the process of implantation has begun.

Things to consider

Emergency contraception is not effective if a woman is already pregnant.
Plan B One-StepTM does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
The most common side effects in the Plan B One-StepTM clinical trial were nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and menstrual changes.
The manufacturer warns that Plan B is not recommended for routine use as a contraceptive.
There are no long-term studies on the safety of Plan B One-StepTM in women under 17, after repeated use or effects on future fertility.

Source: Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information. Available at: http://www.planbonestep.com, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf at Revised August 2009, 11001524

Ella®

Before taking ella®, you should understand what it is, what it could mean to your health and how it works. Call for an appointment and one of our staff will be happy to discuss it with you, confirm if you’re pregnant and advise you on your options.

What is it?

Ella® (ulipristal) is an emergency contraceptive approved by the FDA for use within 5 days of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It is a chemical cousin to the abortion pill Mifeprex. They both have the progesterone-blocking effect of disrupting the embryo’s attachment to the uterus, causing its death.

How does it work?

Ella® may reduce the chance of pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation. It may also work by preventing a newly formed life from implanting in the uterus, which is a form of abortion.

Things to consider

It is to be used only once during a menstrual cycle
The most common side effects of ella® include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, menstrual cramps, fatigue and dizziness.
Women who who experience abdominal pain three to five weeks after using ella® should be evaluated right away for an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, which may be a life-threatening condition.
Some drugs or herbal products may decrease the effectiveness of ella®.
It is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding.
It is not to be used on an established pregnancy.
It does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

Source: http://pi.watson.com/data_stream.asp?product_group=1699&p=pi&language=E, Revised: 08/2010

RU486/Abortion Pill

Before taking RU486, or Abortion Pill, you should understand what it is, what it could mean to your health and how it works. Call for an appointment and one of our staff will be happy to discuss it with you, confirm if you're pregnant and advise you on your options.

What is it?

RU-486 (mifepristone), also known as “the abortion pill,” is usually given in combination with another drug, misoprostol,. These two drugs given in combination and these acting together cause early abortion and expulsion of the embryo. It is NOT the same as the “morning after pill.”

How does it work?

The FDA has approved it’s use in women up to 49 days after their last menstrual period. However, it is commonly used “off label” up to 63 days. The FDA approved procedure usually requires three office visits. On the first visit, the woman is given pills (mifepristone) that cause the death of the embryo. Two days later, if the abortion has not occurred, she is given a second drug (misoprostol) which causes cramping that expels the embryo. The last visit is to determine if the procedure has been completed.

Things to Consider

Side effects include heavy bleeding, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramping, and infection.
If this method fails, a surgical abortion will be required.
The abortion pill may not work in the case of an ectopic pregnancy where the embryo lodges in the fallopian tube or outside the uterus.
If you change your mind after beginning a medication abortion and want to continue the pregnancy, you should immediately seek the help of an obstetrician.

Sources: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm111354.htm, http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm111323.htm Page Last Updated: 07/19/2011

Call The Woodlands, 281.367.1518 or Conroe, 936.441.6442 for your appointment. We’re here to serve you. This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. PACN provides information, not referrals for abortion.