Drug Information
Side Effects > Plan B

Plan B Side Effects

Generic Name: levonorgestrel

Please note - some side effects for Plan B may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).


Side Effects of Plan B - for the Consumer

Plan B

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Plan B:

Breast tenderness; changes in menstrual flow; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; nausea; stomach pain; tiredness; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Plan B:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); lower stomach pain; missed menstrual period; spotting instead of your usual period.

Plan B One-Step

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Plan B One-Step:

Breast tenderness; changes in menstrual flow; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; nausea; stomach pain; tiredness; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Plan B One-Step:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe and persistent lower stomach pain; missed menstrual period; spotting instead of your usual period.

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Plan B Side Effects - for the Professional

Plan B

 The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) in clinical trials included heavier menstrual bleeding (31%), nausea (14%), lower abdominal pain (13%), fatigue (13%), headache (10%), and dizziness (10%). (6.1)

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Barr Laboratories at 1-800-330-1271 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch


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Side Effects by Body System

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included hypertension.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included acne and other skin disorders.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included leukorrhea, vaginitis, dysmenorrhea, breast pain, abnormal pap smear and decreased libido. Very common adverse reactions (greater than 1 in 10 users) include uterine/vaginal bleeding (including spotting, irregular bleeding, heavy bleeding, oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea) and ovarian cysts.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included headache, dizziness and nervousness.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included upper respiratory infection and sinusitis.

General

General side effects have included weight gain and fatigue.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included depression.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included back pain.

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More resources:

Drugs.com Mirena

Drugs.com Plan B

PDR Plan B

MedFacts Mirena IUD

MedFacts Plan B

Micromedex Plan B - Includes detailed dosage instructions.

FDA Plan B

FDA Mirena

Facts & Comparisons Levonorgestrel

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.


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