If you are unexpectedly pregnant, you may be wondering if you should take Plan B (the “morning after pill”) or the abortion pill. But if you aren’t sure what each pill does, you may ask what’s the difference between Plan B and the abortion pill?
Let’s take a look at when each pill is typically taken, how each pill works, and what its side effects include.
(Please note, no content of this article is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.)
PLAN B
What is Plan B?
Plan B, also known as the morning after pill, is a tablet to “help prevent pregnancy after birth control failure or unprotected sex.”
When is Plan B taken?
It is intended to be taken within 3 days or 72 hours after birth control failure or unprotected sex. It contains a “higher dose” of the hormone levonorgestrel, that is in in many birth control pills.
How does Plan B work?
According to the label, Plan B “usually” works by stopping or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary. Other methods by which Plan B may work are described in the FDA’s clinical trials. These include preventing sperm from reaching the egg or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
What are Plan B side effects?
The Plan B label reports some women may experience changes in their period timing or severity. Common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, tiredness, headache, dizziness, and breast tenderness. Severe abdominal pain could indicate “an ectopic pregnancy,” which would require immediate medical attention.
ABORTION PILL
What is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill, also known as a medication, chemical, or at-home abortion, is a combination of two sets of pills to end an early pregnancy.
When is the Abortion Pill taken?
The FDA approves the abortion pill up to 10 weeks (or 70 days) of pregnancy.
How does the Abortion Pill work?
The first abortion pill taken, mifepristone, ends the pregnancy by blocking the hormone progesterone that nourishes the pregnancy, so it may continue. The second set of pills, misoprostol, is typically taken 24-48 hours later to cause contractions to expel the pregnancy.
What are abortion pill side effects?
The FDA abortion pill label says “cramping and vaginal bleeding are expected.” Common side effects also include nausea, weakness, fever/chills vomiting, headache, diarrhea, and dizziness. More serious side effects may include “prolonged heavy bleeding” or “serious bacterial infection” such as sepsis.
There are also health conditions, known as “contraindications,” that make taking the abortion pill especially dangerous. For example, this procedure is not advised for women who have anemia, bleeding disorders, liver or kidney disease, seizure disorder, acute inflammatory bowels, or use an IUD. Consult a medical professional for more information.
Are you concerned you may be unexpectedly pregnant?
If you think you might be pregnant or have questions about Plan B or the abortion pill, Waterleaf’s medical professionals are available to speak with you free and no insurance is required.
Our free medical consultations include a professional pregnancy test and ultrasound. Make an appointment today by calling or texting confidentially at 630-360-2256 (CALM).
If you’ve taken the first abortion pill and changed your mind, do not take the second pill. Contact an Abortion Pill Reversal resource immediately:
- Waterleaf: 630-360-2256 (CALM). Call or text confidentially.
Call the Abortion Pill Rescue hotline: 877-558-0333 for a medical provider in your area.
