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The Curious Bag
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"Over the counter," in the context of pharmacies and drug stores, refers to drugs that are found behind the counter, usually in a locked cabinet, and sold only to those with proper identification. Plan B is such a drug.
Function
Plan B is an emergency contraceptive, taken within 72 hours after having unprotected sex. It contains only a high dosage of progestin, a female hormone that is most commonly found in the birth control pill.
Why OTC?
Plan B is now sold over the counter in pharmacies and drug stores because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has studied and decided that Plan B is safe for the general public of appropriate age to use, without the need for a prescription. Also, the need for a prescription made it hard for women to obtain Plan B within the 72-hour recommended time frame.
Prescription
Young women under the age of 17 or those without proper ID at the counter will not be given Plan B. These young women may still get Plan B through a prescription.
Side Effects
Period-like symptoms may occur, including nausea, vomiting, lower abdominal cramps, headache, breast tenderness and changes in your period.
Insight from Experts
Talk with your doctor if you believe you may be having a severe side effect and whether you should continue usage if it occurs.
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