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Take Action
Generic name: levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive
Brand names: AfterPill, EContra EZ, EContra One-Step, Her Style, Morning After, My Choice, My Way, New Day, Opcicon One-Step, Option 2, Plan B One-Step, React, Take Action, BionaFem
What is Take Action?
Take Action is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if other forms of birth control fail (like a condom breaking or missing 2 or more birth control pills).
Take Action may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
How should I take Take Action?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Take Action 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 Take Action. 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. Take Action will not terminate pregnancy if the fertilized egg has attached to the uterus.
Within 3 weeks after taking Take Action, 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.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Warnings
Take Action will not end a pregnancy if the fertilized egg has already attached to the uterus.
Before taking levonorgestrel, ask a doctor or pharmacist if you regularly use medications for seizures, tuberculosis, or HIV/AIDS. Some other medicines can make levonorgestrel less effective.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before taking this medicine
Take Action is not meant to be used as a regular method of birth control. Talk with your doctor about the different types of birth control options available.
Do not use this medicine if you are already pregnant. Take Action will not end a pregnancy that has already started (if 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 make levonorgestrel less effective as an emergency contraceptive.
Levonorgestrel may reduce breast milk production. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Take Action side effects
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 Take Action 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.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Take Action is taken as a single dose, there is no daily dosing schedule.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I overdose?
Because Take Action comes as a single tablet with a specific strength, it is unlikely to overdose if you use the levonorgestrel as instructed. Do not take more than one tablet at the same time.
Take Action 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.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What other drugs will affect Take Action?
Certain other medications can make Take Action less effective, which may lead to pregnancy. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to use Take Action if you are taking any of the following medications:
- efavirenz;
- rifampin; or
- seizure medication--carbamazepine, felbamate, fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may also affect levonorgestrel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are mentioned here.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Common questions about Take Action
Can Plan B make your period late or cause bleeding?
Can you drink alcohol after taking Plan B?
How many times can you take Plan B?
What's the weight limit for Plan B?
What are my birth control options and how effective are they?
Related medicines
Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.