Emergency contraception (Levonorgestrel generic Plan B) is available at Vaden's pharmacy, without a prescription. For anyone 17 years or older, a government issued ID (e.g., driver's license) is required to verify proof of age. It can be dispensed to either the woman or her (male) partner. Women under 17 can still receive the generic version of Plan B by making an appointment with a Vaden nurse.
The cost at Vaden is $26 (price is subject to change). If Vaden is closed, there are other community options, including
- CVS in the Town and Country Shopping Center
- Walgreens on University Avenue
- Walgreens at the Stanford Hospital Cancer Center
- Walgreens in Mountain View (open 24 hours)
Ulipristal acetate, known by the brand name ella, is also available at Vaden but requires a prescription. This pill may be more effective than levonorgestrel pills if more than 72 hours have passed since unprotected sex.
- It should not be used more than once in the same menstrual cycle.
- Ulipristal acetate may reduce the contraceptive effects of regular hormonal contraceptive methods, and you will need to use a reliable barrier method of contraception for any acts of intercourse that occur in that same menstrual cycle.
Emergency Contraception (Plan B) Information
Emergency contraception is a backup method for preventing pregnancy when your regular method failed or was not used. Plan B is best used as an emergency measure and not as a regular method of birth control. While Plan B can be highly effective, failures do occur. The sooner it is taken after an unprotected sexual encounter (best taken within 72 hours), the greater its effectiveness. You should take a pregnancy test after three weeks if your menstrual period does not begin.
Plan B stops the release of an egg from the ovary but may also stop fertilization of the egg or stop the already fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus (womb). Plan B will not affect a fertilized egg already attached to the uterus nor will it affect an existing pregnancy. It will not protect women from HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Women may experience nausea after taking Plan B. If you vomit within two hours of taking the medication, you should consider repeating the dose. Side effects can include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, breast tenderness, and/or temporary menstrual changes.
You should seek immediate medical care if severe stomach or pelvic pain develops, which may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
For additional information about emergency contraception options, including how to use birth control pills for emergency contraception or the copper IUD, go to MedLinePlus—Emergency Contraception or The Emergency Contraception Website.
