What is the weight limit for Plan B?

Asked by: Vesta Becker  |  Last update: September 5, 2023
Score: 5/5 (33 votes)

Plan B may work less effectively at standard doses in people with a body weight of over 155 pounds (70.3 kilograms). However, individuals above this body weight can still take it. Plan B contains the hormone levonorgestrel.

Can I take Plan B if I weigh 250 pounds?

Plan B does not have a weight limit on its label in the U.S. But many studies show the pregnancy rate is higher for women with heavier body weight. Alternate choices for emergency contraception for larger body sizes include a copper intrauterine device (IUD) and ulipristal (Ella), a prescription medication.

Do I need to take 2 Plan B pills if I'm overweight?

Double dose of Plan B is not effective in preventing pregnancy for higher BMIs. A higher body mass index could be a risk factor in how effective the morning-after pill is in preventing pregnancy, and new research from Oregon Health & Science University found that doubling the standard dose did not improve outcomes.

Does Plan B work if you weigh 170?

If you take an emergency contraception pill with levonorgestrel (like Plan B One Step, Take Action, My Way, and others) and you weigh more than 165 pounds, it won't work as well. ella is another emergency contraception pill that may work better for you. If you weigh 195 pounds or more, ella won't work as well.

Can I take Plan B if I weigh 200?

There are two forms of emergency contraceptive pills available in the U.S.: those that contain levonorgestrel, like Plan B, and those with ulipristal acetate, commonly known by the brand name Ella. The Food and Drug Administration allows these medications for all women, regardless of weight.

Some Researchers Say A Woman’s Weight Could Make The Emergency Contraceptive Pill ‘Plan B” Less Effe

19 related questions found

Can I take 2 Plan B pills?

Two emergency contraceptive pills may be bought without a prescription. Plan B One-Step is a single tablet. Next Choice is taken as 2 doses. Both pills can be taken at the same time or as 2 separate doses 12 hours apart.

What Plan B should I take if I weigh 180?

Ella is the best emergency contraceptive choice for women weighing more than 165 lb. It is effective for women weighing up to 195 lb but may be less effective for women weighing more than this. Plan B, another common emergency contraceptive, is also thought to become less effective for women once they reach 165 lb.

Does Plan B work if your BMI is high?

Option 1: Plan B or EContra EZ (Levonorgestrel)

Levonorgestrel is most effective for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) that is less than 25. It is not effective for those who have a BMI of 30 or more. Levonorgestrel is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.

What makes Plan B less effective?

Plan B works by delaying ovulation (the release of an egg). Research suggests it's likely not effective when taken after ovulation has already happened. Taking Plan B more than 72 hours after sex greatly lowers its effectiveness. Certain medications, like seizure medications, can also make it less effective.

Can I take Plan B twice in 2 days?

Taking the morning-after pill (also known as emergency contraception) multiple times doesn't change its effectiveness, and won't cause any long-term side effects. You can use the morning-after pill whenever you need to.

Does Plan B work if you are ovulating?

Short answer: no. If ovulation has already started, Plan B can't prevent pregnancy. Because the pill works by delaying ovulation from beginning in the first place.

What contraceptive pill is best for overweight?

Combination birth control pills, comprised of different forms of estrogen and progestin, are generally safe and effective in women with obesity. These include pills containing the synthetic estrogen ethinyl estradiol and progestin medications like drospirenone, levonorgestrel, norethindrone acetate, or norgestimate.

What weight is Plan B not effective?

The results of a large European study show that the popular form of EC, levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, (Plan B pill) loses its potency in women weighing about 165 pounds and does not work at all in women weighing 175 pounds or more.

How do I know if Plan B worked?

The only way to know if the morning after pill has been effective at preventing pregnancy is if your next period arrives when it should. The morning after pill works by delaying ovulation so that you don't release an egg for remaining sperm in your system to fertilize.

Why is my Plan B not working?

Some reasons Plan B might fail include: Ovulation: Plan B works primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation. If a person ovulates before taking it, they may still get pregnant. Weight: Some studies suggest that Plan B works less well in people with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30 .

How often does Plan B fail?

When taken within 24 hours, levonorgestrel EC is 95 percent effective. If taken 48–72 hours after unprotected sex, the Plan B effective rate is 61 percent. The effectiveness of Plan B decreases the longer you wait, so taking it sooner is better!

What are the odds of getting pregnant after taking Plan B?

Effectiveness. Emergency contraception pills reduce the risk of pregnancy by approximately 75%. In other words, out of 100 women who have unprotected intercourse mid-cycle, approximately 8 would become pregnant. With use of emergency contraception pills, only 2 of the 100 would become pregnant.

How effective is pulling out?

What we do know is that withdrawal works about 78% of the time overall. But the odds of pregnancy are always higher during the 5 days leading up to, and during, ovulation — these are called fertile days. If no semen gets on your vulva or in your vagina, pregnancy can't happen — whether or not you're ovulating.

What BMI reduces fertility?

Underweight and fertility

Being underweight (BMI under 18.5) can reduce a woman's fertility by causing hormone imbalances that affect ovulation and the chance of getting pregnant. Compared to women in the healthy weight range, women who are underweight are more likely to take more than a year to get pregnant.

How effective is Plan B by hour?

If taken within 24 hours, there is a 95% chance of preventing a pregnancy. If taken between 25-48 hours, there is an 85% chance.

What is the weight limit for contingency one?

Decreased effectiveness: This medication may be less effective for women who weigh more than 165 pounds (75 kg) . Regardless of body weight, this medication should be taken as soon after unprotected intercourse as possible to ensure the most reliable outcome.

Will Plan B work after 7 days?

Plan B, My Way, Next Choice, and other levonorgestrel morning-after pills work best when you take them quickly after unprotected sex. They'll work best up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex. You can take these up to 5 days (120 hours) after sex, but they don't work nearly as well by day 5.