Amy asked
I just saw an ad for Preventeza. Is that any different than Plan B?
Answer
There is no significant difference between Plan B One-Step and Preventeza. They both contain one levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablet for use as an emergency contraceptive. Preventeza is marketed as "from the makers of Vagisil", but again, contains the exact same active ingredient as Plan B One-Step and is taken the same way.
Both are available over the counter (OTC), but they may be physically stocked behind the pharmacy counter so be sure to go to the pharmacy if you don't see the products stocked anywhere. In addition, they are both available online for purchase from various retailers. You do not need a prescription or your ID to purchase Plan B One-Step or Preventeza.
Plan B One-Step And Preventeza Ingredients
The only difference between Plan B and Preventeza are the inactive ingredients in the tablets, which should have little, if any, impact on how you tolerate the medication.
Preventeza contains the following ingredients:
- Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg
- Colloidal Silicon Dioxide
- Corn Starch
- Lactose Monohydrate
- Magnesium Stearate
- Povidone
Plan B One-Step contains the following ingredients:
- Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg
- Colloidal Silicon Dioxide
- Corn Starch
- Lactose Monohydrate
- Magnesium Stearate
- Potato Starch
- Talc
How To Take Plan B One-Step And Preventeza
Emergency contraceptive pills that contain levonorgestrel (like Plan B One-Step and Preventeza) should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. They are most effective when taken within three days (72 hours) of unprotected sex. According to one study, they may be taken up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex but the effectiveness of the pill will begin to decrease after 3 days.
How Does Plan B One-Step And Preventeza Work?
Levonorgestrel is a progestin that is used in many commonly prescribed birth control pill products, including Lutera and Seasonale. In Plan B One-Step And Preventeza, levonorgestrel is given in a high dose, which works mainly by inhibiting ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary). It is thought that it may also prevent fertilization of an egg by sperm as well as inhibit the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.
What Are The Potential Side Effects?
Plan B One-Step And Preventeza are well tolerated and have the same side effect profile since they contain the same active ingredient. The most commonly reported side effects are:
- Changes to your period (i.e. heavier or lighter than normal bleeding)
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Sedation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Vomiting (you should repeat your dose if vomiting occurs within two hours)
Do You Still Get Your Period After Plan B One-Step Or Preventeza?
Yes, you will most likely still get your period after taking Plan B One-Step Or Preventeza. However, it is common to experience slight bleeding changes, such as heavier or lighter than normal bleeding. In addition, about 4% of individuals taking Plan B One-Step and Preventeza will have a delay in menses of over 7 days.
Although a small percentage of individuals will miss their period after taking an emergency contraceptive and not be pregnant, it is important to consider the possibility of pregnancy if your period is delayed more than one week. If this occurs, it is important to take a pregnancy test or see your doctor.
How Much Do Plan B One-Step Or Preventeza Cost?
Both Plan B One-Step Or Preventeza cost around $45-60. There are several "generic" products available that also contain 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel. These products include "Take Action" and "My Way" and range from $35-50.
