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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) announced August 24, 2006 approval of Plan B, a
contraceptive drug, as an over-the-counter (OTC) option for
women aged 18 and older. Plan B is often referred to as
emergency contraception or the “morning after pill.” It
contains an ingredient used in prescription birth control
pills-only in the case of Plan B, each pill contains a higher
dose and the product has a different dosing regimen. Like
other birth control pills, Plan B has been available to women
as a prescription drug. When used as directed, Plan B
effectively and safely prevents pregnancy. Plan B will remain
available as a prescription-only product for women age 17 and
under. (Click here for information sheet)
The Davison Health Center continues to
honor its commitment to provide comprehensive health care to
our women students. We will continue to provide Plan B to aid
in the prevention of pregnancy. However, we will do so
in the following new ways:
1.
Any female student who feels she is a candidate for
Plan B can present herself to the Health Center. After
completing the standard walk-in form, the student’s chart will
be pulled and the nurse on duty will dispense Plan B. The
charge for one package is $22.00 and can be billed to the
student’s account.
An example
might be the student who has had an unexpected act of
intercourse or has had a failure with a barrier method such as
a condom breaking, or used incorrectly, or incorrect diaphragm
use.
Another example
might be the student who is planning to travel abroad and
wants to carry this as a backup method. This could be
considered prevention of pregnancy in the same manner a
typhoid immunization can help prevent the disease.
Purchase in
this way is also available to students desiring the added
security of emergency contraception, especially if non-hormone
methods are the only birth control being used.
2.
If a student is unsure whether she is indeed a
candidate for Plan B, or is under 18 years of age she can call
and make an appointment to discuss her situation. An
appointment will be made for her with the appropriate
clinician. An example might be the student who is concerned
she might already be pregnant, has had multiple episodes of
unprotected intercourse, or is
in general uncertain about her decision to take Plan B. In
cases of sexual assault it is ALWAYS better to meet
with an experienced clinician.
3.
During hours the Health Center is closed, student may
purchase Plan B at a local pharmacy.
Keep in mind certain important points:
1.
Plan B is safe in almost all circumstances; however it
must be given in a timely fashion. To be MOST effective
Plan B should be given within 72 hours of a single episode of
unprotected intercourse. Research has demonstrated that it
can be given up to 5 days from an episode of unprotected
intercourse, but is more effective the earlier it is taken.
2.
Plan B should be stored in a cool environment without
extreme temperature variation.
3.
If you develop sudden severe headache,
chest pain, or abdominal pain, go the Emergency Room
immediately. These serious side effects are very rare.
4.
Plan B will not be effective if you are already
pregnant. It is important to follow the package insert. Any
questions can be directed to the Health Center and will be
answered by the appropriate clinician.
5.
Plan B should not be viewed as your primary birth
control method. The Health Center is always available by
appointment to help you make a decision regarding your
contraceptive needs. After hours concern can be answered by
the physician on call, but can usually wait until we open at
9:00 a.m. Bottom line – if you are worried, confused, anxious
– CALL.
Lastly, Plan B does not protect against
sexually transmitted infections. Any episode of unprotected
intercourse should be followed by an appointment to discuss
testing for Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV and HIV.
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