Next Choice consists of two 0.75mg levonorgestrel pills.
- To avoid confusion, it may be helpful to note that, in addition to Next Choice, the emergency contraceptive, Next Choice One Dose is also available -- this is the single pill, generic version of Plan B One-Step.
Note: In general though, emergency contraception could be started up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex, so Next Choice may still be useful to take (hopefully to decrease your chances of pregnancy) for up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
The dose of the levonorgestrel in the generic Plan B is higher than in a single birth control pill, but it prevents a pregnancy some of the same ways that birth control pills do. It is thought that Next Choice prevents the egg from being:
- Released from the ovary (ovulation)
- Fertilized by the sperm
Generic Plan B can be obtained OTC at local pharmacies for those 17 or older. Females under the age of 17 will need a prescription for this morning-after pill from their doctor. It is sold behind the counter at pharmacies, so that age can be verified. Generic Plan B is currently priced around 10-20% lower than the branded Plan B One-Step.
As a precaution, girls under 17 can ask their doctor about getting a prescription for generic Plan B ahead of time -- just in case an emergency occurs. This way, these girls can fill the prescription immediately and won't need to wait for a medical appointment.
Since Next Choice is the generic Plan B, see:
The name morning after pill is confusing since Next Choice doesn't have to be used the morning after unprotected sex. There are also 2 pills, not just 1 - as the name morning after pill implies.
Side Effects:
When used as directed, side effects of this morning-after pill could include:- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Menstrual changes (such as spotting or bleeding prior to a period)
Keep in mind: Generic Plan B will not continue to prevent pregnancy during the rest of a woman’s cycle, so another contraceptive method should be used.
