Emergency contraception key facts and instructions for use
VT Form C: Key Facts and Instructions for Use Note: A copy of this form must be given to the client. This fact sheet may not be altered. Emergency Contraception (EC) is a safe and ECP’s won’t cause an abortion. effective way to prevent pregnancy after sex.
• Emergency Contraception pills are not the
Consider using Emergency Contraception if you
didn’t use a contraceptive during sex, you think
your contraceptive didn’t work, or you were
sexually assaulted or forced to have intercourse.
effective after pregnancy has occurred and
EC in theory works by stopping the release of an
egg from the ovary (ovulation), or it may prevent
ECP’s won’t harm a developing fetus.
the union of a sperm and an egg (fertilization), or it may prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to
• If Emergency Contraception pills are taken
the womb (implantation). EC will not disrupt an
mistakenly during pregnancy, they will not
What are Emergency Contraception pills?
• Using Emergency Contraception pills will not affect a woman’s ability to become
Emergency Contraception pills (ECP’s) contain
the same medication as regular birth control pills and help to prevent pregnancy. There are two
Women can keep pills at home in case of an
basic types of Emergency Contraception pills:
emergency.
Emergency Contraception pills on hand in
• High doses of regular oral contraceptive
pills (containing estrogen and progestin).
• Medical providers or a participating
Don’t wait! Take ECP’s as soon as possible.
• While it is best to take ECP’s within 3 days
Contraception pills before they are needed.
of unprotected sex, ECP’s can be effective
Medical follow-up after taking Emergency Contraception pills.
• You should use a birth control method for
• If you don’t experience a normal period
the remainder of your menstrual cycle and
within four weeks, you may be pregnant and
should see your health care provider or take a
• It is important to visit your doctor or health
ECP’s are safe and effective.
care provider if you need a regular birth control method or information about
• Progestin-only pills reduce the risk of
preventing sexually transmitted infections,
• Combined estrogen/progestin pills reduce
Referral Sources
• Call 1-800-489-7273 for help if you have
• For regular, long-term birth control, other
contraceptive methods are more effective
• Emergency Contraception pills do not
care provider or community clinic. To find the nearest Planned Parenthood Health
* EC has been associated with a slight risk of ectopic
Center, call…….1-800-230-PLAN (7526)
pregnancy in women who use birth control pills regularly. Call your doctor if you experience severe
• Call 1-800-649-5285 to report suspected
Form C: Emergency Contraception – Instructions for Use
• Swallow the EC pills as soon as possible after receiving the medication from a pharmacist or health care practitioner. EC works better the sooner you use it.
• Some women may feel tired, dizzy, have headaches, or tender breasts. These side effects should go away within a day or two. Non-prescription pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can be used for headache or breast tenderness. You may also have some menstrual spotting (small amounts of bleeding — less than a period) after taking EC. This should go away in a day or two.
Plan B™ Oral Contraceptive Pills
Take ____ pill(s) ASAP and take ____ pill(s) in 12 hours
You have been given/advised to take: _____________________to prevent nausea. Take
this medication 30-60 minutes before your first EC dose (as advised).
• With some types of EC, nausea and vomiting are possible, but not likely. If you vomit after 30 minutes of taking your dose, do not worry. The medication is already in your system. If you vomit before this time period, call your pharmacist — you may need to take a repeat dose.
• If you are prescribed or advised to use a medication for possible nausea, take that medication as described in the following directions:
Non-prescription Timing of Administration
One or two 25 mg tablets 1 hour before first EC dose;
(Dramamine II, Bonine) repeat if needed in 24 hours
One or two 25 mg tablets or capsules 1 hour before first EC
One or two 50 mg tablets or 4—8 teaspoons liquid
30 minutes to one hour before first ECP dose; repeat as needed
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VT Form C: Key Facts and Instructions for Use 
Form C: Emergency Contraception – Instructions for Use