Option 2

Option 2 is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when other forms of birth control fail (like a condom breaking or missing 2 or more birth control pills).

Option 2 may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Option 2 must be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex (no later than 72 hours afterward).

Call your doctor right away if you vomit within 2 hours after taking Option 2. Do not take a second dose without first asking your doctor.

If your period is late by 1 week or longer after the expected date, you may be pregnant. Get a pregnancy test and contact your doctor if you are pregnant. Option 2 will not terminate pregnancy if the fertilized egg has attached to the uterus.

Within 3 weeks after taking Option 2, a doctor should confirm that you are not pregnant, and that this medicine has not caused any harmful effects.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Option 2 will not end a pregnancy if the fertilized egg has already attached to the uterus.

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using levonorgestrel if you regularly take medication for seizures, tuberculosis, or HIV/AIDS. Some other medicines can make levonorgestrel less effective.

Option 2 is not meant to be used as a regular type of birth control. Talk to your doctor about the different types of birth control that are available.

Do not use this medicine if you are already pregnant. Option 2 will not end a pregnancy that has already started (when the fertilized egg has attached to the uterus).

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 17 years old.

You should not use levonorgestrel if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking levonorgestrel if you regularly take medication for seizures, tuberculosis, or HIV/AIDS. Some medications can reduce the effectiveness of levonorgestrel as an emergency contraceptive.

Levonorgestrel may decrease breast milk production. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor or seek emergency medical help if you have severe pain in your lower stomach or side. This could be a sign of a tubal pregnancy (a pregnancy that implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus). A tubal pregnancy is a medical emergency.

Common side effects of Option 2 may include:

• stomach pain;
• breast pain or tenderness;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• headache, dizziness;
• feeling tired; or
• changes in your menstrual periods.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since Option 2 is taken as a single dose, it does not have a schedule for daily use.

Because Option 2 is provided as a single tablet in a specific strength, taking too much is unlikely if the levonorgestrel is used as directed. Do not take more than one tablet at the same time.

Option 2 will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases. Avoid having unprotected sex.

Certain other medications can make Option 2 less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Option 2 is safe to use if you are using any of the following medications:

• efavirenz;
• rifampin; or
• seizure medication--carbamazepine, felbamate, fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect levonorgestrel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.