The “morning after” pill is currently a prescription contraceptive sold under the names “Plan B” and “Previn.” Plan B contains a higher dose of the hormone progestin than the birth-control pill, and is intended to be consumed by women within 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse to reduce the chances of an unwanted pregnancy. Plan B prevents ovulation or fertilization, and can possibly interfere with the implantation of a fertilized egg into the uterus. However, Plan B has no effect on a woman who is already pregnant, which distinguishes it from the RU-486 abortion pill.

On December 16, 2003, an advisory panel for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted to allow Plan B to be sold over-the-counter. Although the FDA has not formally approved the non-prescription availability of Plan B, the agency usually follows advisory panel advice, and is expected to return a decision in the near future.
Continue Reading FDA Panel Addresses Availability of Plan B Contraception