Monday, February 4, 2008

How do I get the morning after pill?

The morning after pill, or emergency contraception is available, often as "Plan B," over the counter at pharmacies to people over the age of 18. While the FDA approved the progestin-only Plan B almost two years ago for over the counter use, it is still sometimes difficult to obtain because pharmacists retain the right to refuse its sale. Your options for obtaining it are:
1- Plan B is available at Dick's House to anyone over the age of 18. The pharmacy is now dispensing it without a prescription during business hours (Mon- Fri, 9am - 5pm). When the Pharmacy is closed students can contact the inpatient department at (6-9401) when classes are in session (excluding summer term) to speak with a nurse who will facilitate access to Plan B. The price is $29.00 as it is not processed as a prescription through the pharmacy.
Other thoughts on the availability/cost of Plan B for Dartmouth Students: If a student has the Dartmouth Student Health Insurance (DSGHP) AND a prescription, the cost is covered in full if the prescription is filled at Dick's house. They would pay 20% (around $10.00) if filled at any other pharmacy. Because Plan B is an "over-the-counter medication", most other insurances do not cover Plan B.

2- Planned Parenthood presents a very economical option, with a sliding scale, to anyone who requests emergency contraception during business hours (their phone #: 603-298-7766).

3- CVS in Hanover currently sells it, when a pharmacist is on duty (between 8am-8pm except Sundays), to people with a government issued ID for about $45.


A dose of emergency contraception can be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse, regardless of the number of times unprotected intercourse occurs in one night (one encounter/episode). It is important to note that the sooner emergency contraception is taken after unprotected sex, the greater the efficacy of the pill. A progestin-only emergency conception pill is about 89% effective within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. Plan B, the most common form of emergency contraception, is progestin only and has very limited side effects. Side effects, however, of any emergency contraceptive may involve headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, weight change, or depression.

Most emergency contraception works like birth control by preventing ovulation. It is possible to take multiple birth control pills as emergency contraception but the number of pills depends on how much hormone each pill contains. It appears that 100 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol with 0.5 milligrams of levonorgestrel is about 75% effective in pregnancy prevention. However, Plan B, and other options specifically designed for emergency contraception, are not only more effective but have fewer side effects.

Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Emergency contraception is NOT the same as RU-486 or mifepristone, which provides for a medical and chemical abortion within 49 days of a woman's last menstruation.

Further anonymous questions or concerns can be taken up with the Emergency Contraception Hotline 888-668-2-5283 or in multiple languages at not-2-late.com. The not-2-late.com website also includes a chart listing other birth control pills that can be used a emergency contraception and what doses are appropriate.

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