Plan B is an FDA-approved emergency contraceptive that can PREVENT pregnancy after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure (for example, if the condom broke or you missed taking a birth control pill) or after sexual assault. Plan B is a backup method for preventing pregnancy, and is NOT indicated for routine use.

    Plan B is NOT the same as RU-486 (the abortion pill). Plan B works like a regular birth control pill. It PREVENTS pregnancy mainly by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary, and may also prevent the fertilization of an egg (the uniting of sperm with the egg). Plan B may also work by preventing egg attachment.

 If you take Plan B after you are already pregnant, it will NOT affect your pregnancy. When used correctly, Plan B will reduce your risk of pregnancy by 89%.

        Plan B contains (2) tablets. Take the first tablet as soon as possible within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. Take the second tablet 12 hours after the first dose. The sooner you take Plan B after unprotected sex, the more effective it is.

      Until recently, Plan B was available by prescription only. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved offering Plan B to consumers 18 years of age and older WITHOUT a prescription. Plan B will continue to be available by prescription only for women 17 years of age and younger, at the discretion of the medical provider.

   Even though Plan B is available to women age 18 and older without a prescription, we strongly recommend that all women wishing to purchase Plan B consider making an appointment with one of our Medical Providers or Health Educator for the purpose of discussing on-going contraceptive options as well as to discuss PAP exams, HPV immunization options and STD risk assessment and testing services.

    Plan B is now available at our student Pharmacy. You will need to show your student identification to the Pharmacy to show that you are at least 18 years of age before purchasing Plan B.

    To learn more about Plan B emergency contraception, you may visit www.go2planB.com, visit our CSUSM Student Health Service website www.csusm.edu/shcs , view the Plan B package insert or make an appointment with one of our medical providers.