Thoughts on Plan B

[socalgirlie]

I work in a doctors office and a patient came in asking about Plan B. I explained what I knew... the whole needs to be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex to help prevent pregnancy, but if you're already pregnant it wont do anything to the fetus. I told her since she's over 18 she can go to any pharmacy and pick it up.

Well 3 weeks later she called a little shaken up. Said that she got her period early, but it was just spotting. Some days heavier than others, and she said she got horrible cramps one night, but it was like they were cramps times 100. She was worried she was pregnant.

I scheduled her an appt for next week. But does anyone know if thats normal for Plan B? She said she took a pregnancy test at home and it came out negative, but she never got a regular period. I've never dealt with this before so I was wondering if any of you have.

[TazziRN, RN]

We can't give advice like that. She would have to see her doc.

[socalgirlie]

Oh no no, Im not asking for advice. I just have no idea what Plan B does to patients. So I thought some more experienced nurses might be able to share with me what it does. That way if I am in this position again I can better inform patients.

[TazziRN, RN]

http://www.go2planb.com/ForConsumers/AboutPlanB/WhatisPlanB.aspx

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

PLAN B is just like taking a bunch of daily birthcontrol pills to prevent implantation & pregnancy.

In fact, I've known docs who've told their patients to just take X-days of their OC at once.

[BabyRN2Be]

I hate to talk about this, but many years ago I took emergency contraception suggested by the SANE nurse. My mind was a mess at the time and I was in shock, numb and all I could think of, "What if I got pregnant from this?" I didn't need anything more that would remind me of that night.

I can't remember where I was in my cycle when I took it, but I remember it did cause extreme nausea and a bit of vomiting (nerves played a part in it), and they prescribed Tigan and Phenergan for the n/v. I believe that my period was different that cycle, and it was heavier and very crampy.

I wasn't on contraceptives before, so I think that my body was revolting from the shock of everything. Of course, people may react differently depending on circumstances.

Although I didn't take Plan B specifically, Plan B is essentially the same I believe. By briefly sharing my experience, I hope that gives you an idea of to expect with a patient who is taking Plan B. Hope this helps!