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What Are the Side Effects of the Day After Pill?

The day after pill or morning after pill, commonly sold under the brand names Plan B and Next Choice, is an emergency contraception used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It must be taken with 72 hours after having unprotected sex, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  1. How It Works

    • Morning after pills either prevent the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg, preventing implantation of a fertilized egg or preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg to be fertilized.

    Types

    • Some morning after pills, including Plan B, only contain the hormone levonorgestrel. Others contain both progestin and estrogen. Both are similar to regular birth control pills except contain higher doses of hormones.

    Common Side Effects

    • The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting. It may also cause breast tenderness, changes in menstrual cycles, dizziness, headaches and fatigue. There are no reported serious side effects.

    Drug Interactions

    • Use of barbiturates, some anti-seizure drugs or certain growth hormones may reduce the effectiveness of the morning after pill. Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.

    Precautions

    • These medications should not be taken by anyone under age 17 without a doctor's prescription. Tests may be done to determine the safety of this medication for people with diabetes.

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