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Take Action and Sore Breasts: What Users Say

Sore breasts: mentioned by 68 users (23.5%)

Based on user experiences from 289 Take Action reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

cramps 35.6%
nausea 26.6%
sore breasts 23.5%
spotting 12.8%
headaches 11.1%
bleeding 10.7%
fatigue 10.0%
mood swings 9.3%
dizziness 6.6%
bloating 6.2%

Reviews for Take Action

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Pra...
  • December 31, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Okay, so first off, you’re going to be okay. You were probably like me, scrolling through these reviews, trying to find something similar to you. I had unprotected sex on Nov. 30 and took the Take Action pill on Dec. 1. Every time before in this kind of situation, I have always used Plan B or one time I used My Way. I’ve never had a late period or no symptoms with those pills. Exactly one week later from taking the Take Action pill, I had dark brown discharge and bled for 3 days. I freaked out and thought it was implantation bleeding. I waited for my period, nothing came, and I had sore breasts, cramps on some days, and some days I didn’t. I took 2 pregnancy tests, and both were negative. My period finally came on Dec. 31, and I have had really heavy bleeding and severe cramps. Spend the money on Plan B. If your period doesn’t come on time, avoid the stress and take a test. Wouldn’t recommend this pill at all, but it worked."

5 / 10
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76 Report
  • Ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 30, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Listen up, beautiful ladies. I know you are reading reviews and about to lose your mind. I will be as detailed as possible to ease your mind. I had a period on 11/4. I had an accident with my boyfriend, and he ended up coming fully inside me smack in my fertilization window. I took this pill within the initial 24-hour window (about 18 hours). For almost two weeks, I FELT PREGNANT. My boobs grew and were in an immense amount of pain. I'm talking couldn't bear to wear a bra. I had cramps. It has been the most stressful time of my life. One and a half weeks after I took the pill, I started my period and felt a huge hormone drop. This pill worked. But I have never felt so terrible in my life. Be careful, lovies."

6 / 10
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52 Report
  • Noo...
  • March 5, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Four weeks ago, my boyfriend and I became intimate for the first time. We didn’t have protection around, but continued. He pulled out but was late, and some was in. I took the pill 24+ hours after the incident. I heard they make you nauseous, I felt nothing. I had what I think was my period a few days after taking the pill (it can change the cycle/bleed). But oh boy, fast forward three weeks, I had cramping, constipation, gas, tender breasts, and bloating. All this coming around the time you would start to have pregnancy signs. I thought I was done for right there. I bought a pregnancy test, however, and it came up negative, I didn’t believe it. For a whole week, I had these side effects. These side effects finally stopped about three days ago, and I got my period today. This period took less than 25 days to come. (I’m not on birth control, irregular periods). It works but messes you up, if you’re like me, these side effects don’t appear until weeks after, try not to panic. Keep your head up, ladies!"

10 / 10
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52 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Ano...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 22, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "Okay, I thought I would share my experience because some of these reviews kept me sane the past couple of days. I had a one-night stand (something I typically wouldn’t do). He thought he pulled out but texted me the next day and said I should probably buy Plan B. Take Action was all Walgreens had, so I had to go with that. I experienced cramps from hell, and my boobs hurt so bad. I was supposed to start my period on the 19th, and it didn’t come, so naturally I was a bit worried. The next day came, and still no period, so I took a test, and it was negative. Then I woke up with my period this morning, so it worked and just gave me some bad side effects. If you’re late after you took this, don't worry! It’s normal for that to happen, and remember, ladies, we have options for pregnancy. Try not to stress!"

8 / 10
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44 Report
  • mac...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 25, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I never write reviews, but I am hoping this helps someone/calms some nerves. I had unprotected sex on May 22nd (5 days after my period, so I was close to my fertile window). He said he didn't finish in me, but I was not 100% sure, so I got this pill just in case. I took it around 17 hours later. It was not my first time taking this, but this time was different. I had some weird cramping and nausea for a few days, and then I ended up spotting/having a mini period a week after taking the pill. I was a little freaked out because this has never happened, but after reading reviews, this seems quite normal. The last two weeks, my breasts have been insanely sore, and I have been insanely bloated. I definitely thought I was pregnant. Then, I FINALLY GOT MY PERIOD TODAY. On my Flo app, it says I was around 10 days late. If anyone is freaking out, just wait and be patient. Stressing about getting your period can make it late too."

10 / 10
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28 Report

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  • Tar...
  • February 10, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I took this pill within two hours of unprotected sex. Almost exactly 12 hours after taking it, I woke up to terrible cramping in my abdomen. That whole day I had the worst nausea of my life, including vomiting and diarrhea throughout the day. I couldn’t keep any food down. I almost passed out later that night, likely because my blood sugar was so low from not eating all day. I had some spotting about a week later, which was about when my period was supposed to come. However, I have not had a period since. It’s been about two months. I’ve taken pregnancy tests, and they have come back negative. For the last few weeks, I have gotten cramps and some breast tenderness and irrationality that is usually associated with my period, but still no period. Planning to head to the doctor soon. Don’t recommend this pill."

1 / 10
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38 Report
  • KAT...
  • October 10, 2018

For Emergency Contraception "Going to start this off with Take Action, it WORKED for me, but I had a whole month of freaking out about possibly being pregnant. I took Take Action 20 hours after unprotected sex. On the ninth day after I took the pill, I started bleeding and wasn't sure if it was my period or what. It was more than spotting, but not as heavy as my normal period, no cramping, lots of clots. Lasted for 5 days, like my period. Then a week later is when I started noticing all the pregnancy symptoms! Like sore breasts, feeling sick, discharge, that’s when I really started freaking out. I’m not sure if this was the pill's side effects or nerves, but it was horrible. I took 9 negative pregnancy tests 3-4 weeks later, that didn’t calm my nerves. I finally broke down and went to the doctor, both urine and blood tests were NEGATIVE a month later. I just wanted to maybe let people read my story and relate - the pill did work in my case. Everyone’s body is different and none of these stories are alike, so keep that in mind."

9 / 10
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39 Report

More FAQ

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 24, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Let me start by saying that I’m not pregnant, so it did do its job. I slipped up on 9/8, which was right in the middle of my fertile window, and I took the pill about 40 hours after. The first week or so, I had mild cramping and some nausea, but then the next week... oh boy. I was extremely fatigued and nauseous most of the time, had cramps, sore boobs, nasal congestion, frequent urination, and my emotions were all over the place. I seriously thought I was pregnant. My period came when it was expected, though, so I guess that’s all that matters. I’ll take the nasty side effects over being preggo any day."

8 / 10
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35 Report
  • Liz...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 14, 2018

For Emergency Contraception "Now, if you are like me, you're probably reading these comments and freaking out about the side effects. Hopefully, this will help calm some of your nerves. So, on September 30th, I ended up having a drunken hookup with a guy I didn't know that resulted in me not remembering whether or not we used a condom (good job, me). Anyways, you can imagine my stress, right? Ended up buying this pill because Walmart was all out of Plan B and taking it about 18 hours later. I was SO nervous about it not working and about the side effects, but I can honestly say that I didn't really experience anything outside of the usual PMS symptoms (a little bit of cramping, sore boobs, etc.). Not bad at all! Had a little bit of spotting in the days leading up to my period, but overall it came today right on time. Not pregnant!!! So don't worry, ladies, this pill works and it isn't as bad as it may seem online. Don't worry, you will be fine!"

9 / 10
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31 Report
  • Kgv...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 27, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I took this pill at the beginning of Jan 2020. I got one period about 10 days after taking the pill. For this month of Feb, I am late on my period, but I keep spotting. This pill has given me breast soreness and every period symptom for weeks now, but still no period. Nausea and weakness, mood swings. Never experienced this with Plan B."

5 / 10
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34 Report
  • luc...
  • April 30, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "I pre-cummed a small amount inside of me when I lost my virginity with a small condom that broke inside of me. He finished outside of me, luckily using the pull-out method. Freaking out after, his mom was nice enough to give me this pill. I spotted blood after a few days, and it lasted for a week. My last period was March 16th, I lost my virginity March 23rd, my ovulation wasn't due until a few days, my next period is not due till April 16th. My period never came. My side effects included cloudy pee with white flakes, green poop, sore boobs, and frequent urination. It is April 30th, and I've finally gotten mine, that is around two weeks after my period was supposed to happen."

10 / 10
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25 Report
  • Lal...
  • February 9, 2020

For Emergency Contraception "Update: (I did a review on 2020-01-18) So last time I said I took the pill after my boyfriend came in me, and I got my period early; same amount of blood, but ever since I didn’t get my period again for about a month. But after a month, I finally got my period! No bad cramps, no heavy flow. The only symptoms I really got from this pill were: late period and tender breasts. I do recommend this pill if you just can’t afford Plan B! Take care, ladies, for those stressing after taking the pill, just relax. Good luck!"

10 / 10
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19 Report
  • Don...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 23, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I just wanted to come on here and share my experience because reading these reviews really helped ease my anxiety! I had unprotected sex in the very early morning on Nov 1st, 2021, and I took Take Action 26 hours later. I was 2 days away from my ovulation day, and I was so, so worried. About 2 weeks after taking the pill, I started spotting, and it lasted for 3 days, and my mind automatically went to implantation bleeding, BUT a common side effect is spotting a week or two later. My boobs were so sensitive, and I was experiencing back pain and some cramping. My expected period date was 11/18, and I'm just getting it today, 11/22 (it started light in the AM, but it got heavy towards the PM). Ladies, you will be okay! Try not to stress, you might experience some side effects, and your period might be late, but just breathe and let your body adjust to all the hormones! You’ll be okay :)"

9 / 10
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12 Report
  • Fir...
  • October 22, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I had my period on September 19th. My boyfriend and I had been drinking and had unprotected sex on the 30th. Right around the start of my ovulation, so I got the Take Action. I normally take My Way if this type of situation occurs because my insurance covers it, but at the time, I was still hungover and didn't call my doctor to send in the prescription. So anyway, I bought Take Action 16 hours after the incident. I started spotting on October 8th, which freaked me out because my period wasn't due until the 16th. I have been bleeding/spotting since. I have taken 5 pregnancy tests over the course of the week, and all have been negative. I even went to Planned Parenthood for a test. They said this is a side effect of the Take Action. I still feel unsure due to all this spotting. My breasts were sore, and I had lots of gas all of a sudden for over a week. I never had any issues with My Way or Plan B in the past. Seeing all these other reviews makes me feel better but still slightly concerned."

5 / 10
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16 Report
  • CCa...
  • October 30, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I took Take Action on Oct. 15th, 2 days after my boyfriend came in me. I was super stressed out not only because I wasn’t able to take it as quick as I wanted, but also because I was taking the “off brand” version of Plan B. The next week and a half after taking it, I felt so nauseous, I slept a lot, I had cravings, and I had my mind made up that I was pregnant, lmao. 2 weeks go by from Oct. 15th, and I’m not that nauseous anymore, but now my breasts are so tender, usually right before my period this happens. Again, I was like, yup, pregnant, gotta be. But then the next day, Oct. 27th, I got my period. Man, was that a relief. The color was lighter than usual, but the amount of blood was the same, so I knew for sure it was an actual period. This works, ladies, please do not stress yourself out. I was crying and overthinking for over 2 weeks, and it was terrible. All I can say is make better choices and ask about regular birth control (that’s what I’m doing!)"

10 / 10
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16 Report
  • Mar...
  • April 1, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I took Take Action 30 mins after condom failure. I was in my fertility window. Four days later, I started bleeding for the next 5 days. I've had sore boobs since taking the pill and still do. I got my period on time. This pill does work!"

10 / 10
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16 Report
  • Tor...
  • November 22, 2017

For Emergency Contraception "I'm writing to hopefully calm some nerves. Two days after I ended my period, I had protected sex with my partner. While we were careful (he did not ejaculate inside me), we noticed the condom broke. I became frantic and decided to take emergency contraception (Take Action) just to be sure. I took the pill approximately 18 hours after sex. Within the first few days, I had the normal symptoms: spotting, nausea, etc. Within the next few weeks, I began to experience all the symptoms of pregnancy! Mood swings, frequent urination, breast tenderness, and extreme vaginal wetness! I was freaking out! There was absolutely no sign of my period. I took three pregnancy tests, all negative. My period ended up being six weeks late. It was unnerving!"

8 / 10
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19 Report
  • DON...
  • January 16, 2018

For Emergency Contraception "This was during my fertile window, it could have been my ovulation day or the day after (according to the period tracker), but my ex-bf and I were fooling around. We are always cautious and use condoms, but accidents happen. We did not have intercourse, but he finished, and it was near my 'area.' I became paranoid, and we went to buy the EC, and I took it within 30 mins of the incident. I know about the 'overweight rule,' and I was over it. I had no symptoms, a week after, I had breast tenderness and mild cramps for a day or two. I got my period a day early, and it seems to be heavier than usual, and I have been having cramps on and off all day, which is never the case. Anyways, ladies, please don't stress, it works! You'll be okay ❤️"

9 / 10
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16 Report
  • Sar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 15, 2025

For Emergency Contraception "I took this birth control purely out of fear after a scare with pre-cum, even though the risk was extremely low. While it did its job and I got my period on time, the side effects were absolutely not worth it. I experienced intense nausea, dizziness, sore nipples, and major anxiety attacks every single day. It completely took over my life for weeks and made me feel worse than the situation I was worried about in the first place. Yes, it worked, but I would never take it again. Next time, I’ll trust the facts instead of letting fear push me into something that made me feel this awful."

10 / 10
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1 Report
  • tha...
  • February 23, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Long story short, I had a condom mishap during sex, and we weren’t sure if he got a little bit of cum inside me. I’ve used Take Action twice before this time, so three times in total, but this time my side effects were so much worse. My period did come a day or two earlier than regular time, but later it did mess up my period cycle in when I get it. About a month or two later, I still felt the side effects - sore boobs, bad nausea, headaches, frequent urination, constipation, etc. I was stressing that I may be pregnant, but I’m not! The pill worked, just be patient."

8 / 10
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13 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 3, 2021

For Emergency Contraception "I had unprotected sex on the last day of my period. Didn’t use the pull-out method either. Went straight to Walgreens after and bought Take Action and took it right away, so within a 30-40 minute window after. I’ve felt fine so far, it’s been 5 days since I’ve taken it, but now I’m on my period again. I have no idea what that’s supposed to mean. It’s very heavy. I don’t know if it’s normal or not, I will try to update this if I can. I’ve taken Plan B before, and this has never happened. With Plan B, I’ve gotten sore boobs and slight cramping, but never started my period 5 days after just having a period. If anyone knows anything, please let me know what this means. I’d like to know if other people have had this happen as well."

6 / 10
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9 Report
  • Bpa...
  • April 11, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Please do not get this pill! Took it the next morning after unprotected sex. I was waiting to bleed in the next couple of days, but I didn't. Three weeks later, I felt my boobs sore, peeing a lot, stomach feeling weird, and a missed period. I took a pregnancy test and got 'positive' results."

1 / 10
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15 Report
  • Mnb...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 21, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "Took 'Take Action' mere minutes after a mistake with my husband and father of my 4 children. It worked, not pregnant! The reason I gave this a 1 is that in the 3 months since taking this pill I have bled for 41 days!!! FORTY-ONE DAYS!!!! A few of the days I have had spotting, but this time around I have been bleeding for 17 days, and most of them have been EXTREMELY HEAVY! The clots are quite large, breast tenderness and fatigue are also present, not surprised that I am tired since I am bleeding so heavily. Will NEVER make the mistake of taking this or any other emergency contraception again! Had very regular periods up until July 7th when I took this!"

1 / 10
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12 Report
  • War...
  • August 2, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "I took this pill after having unprotected sex the last day of my period, which was July 5th. I was kind of nervous because of the possibility of precum, so 13 hours later, I took it. I did have some cramps and felt very fatigued. A week later, I had brown discharge that lasted for two days. On the second day, it turned light pink but was just spotting. The following two and a half weeks, I was stressed to the max! I thought I was losing my mind! My nipples were extremely sore, I had bad headaches, and just wanted to sleep. I did have a little bit of nausea and got nervous that maybe I could be pregnant, so I took a test, and it came back negative. On July 25th, my period ended up coming a day early after being extremely emotional the day before and having bad cramps. I had my period for the full length of time, and I’ve never been so happy to see Aunt Flo! These reviews helped me while I was stressing. The pill worked for me, and it honestly had to do with timing."

8 / 10
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12 Report
  • ean...
  • February 18, 2019

For Emergency Contraception "OK, so... let me just start this off by saying I have used Plan B before, and it did not mess me up anywhere close to as badly as this pill did. I took Take Action a few weekends ago after a condom mishap with my boyfriend; everything was perfectly fine until a few days ago when I started to get incredibly nauseous, and my boobs felt like they were being ripped off of my chest. My nipples have been so sore that I could barely sleep in a T-shirt, and it hurt to even have the shower water hit them. I was thoroughly convinced that I was pregnant, as I’ve taken emergency contraception before and have never once experienced something like this. I got my period earlier today, so it worked in that aspect, but everything else I felt and the mood changes/panic I went through was not worth it. Just spend the extra $10 and get Plan B."

5 / 10
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11 Report

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