Single-dose Plan B approved for emergency contraception

July 15, 6:58 AMNorfolk Health Care ExaminerEd Lamb

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Norfolk Health Care Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA

Women will have access to simpler emergency contraception beginning in August.

Teva's Plan B One-Step received U.S. Food and Drug Administration marketing approval on Monday. The medication, which contains a high does of the hormone levonorgestrel, prevents pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Plan B One-Step, like its two-dose predecessor Plan B, will be available without a prescription to women older than 17 years of age.

Neither form of Plan B ends an established pregnancy, and patients with any concerns about their health, their pregnancy status or the medication should speak with their pharmacist or primary health care provider. Anyone younger than 17 must have a prescription for purchasing Plan B.

"As a leader in women's health, we're proud to offer women this new, innovative emergency contraceptive option that builds upon the trust that women have come to know with Plan B," noted  Teva Women's Health General Manager and Senior Vice President of  Amy Niemann.