Option 2 (Oral)

Generic name:levonorgestrel (oral route) [ lee-voe-nor-JES-trel ]
Drug class:Contraceptives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 24, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• My Way
• Next Choice
• Plan B
• Plan B One-Step

In Canada

• Option 2

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Contraceptive, Progestin

Pharmacologic Class: Progestin

Uses for Option 2

Levonorgestrel is an emergency contraceptive that is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or after failure of another birth control method. It works by preventing a woman's egg from fully developing. It may also prevent the attachment of the woman's egg to the wall of the uterus (womb).

No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective. Birth control methods such as having surgery to become sterile or not having sex are more effective. This medicine should not be used as a regular method of birth control. Discuss your options for birth control with your doctor.

Plan B One-Step® is available as an over-the-counter medicine for any woman of childbearing potential.

Before using Option 2

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of levonorgestrel in teenage females. This medicine may be used for birth control in teenage females but is not recommended before the start of menstruation.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of levonorgestrel have not been performed in the geriatric population. This medicine is not indicated for use in elderly women.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doct...