Plan B One-Step, also known as the morning-after pill, is an oral medication and is most effective within 72 hours of having sex without birth control. Here, we discuss the best places to get this medication discreetly.
- Best for generic Plan B: Nurx | Skip to review
- Best for a multipack: Wisp | Skip to review
- Best for same-day delivery: Target | Skip to review
- Best for insurance: Pandia Health | Skip to review
- Best for pill options: CVS Pharmacy | Skip to review
- Best for prescriptions: Lemonaid | Skip to review
- Best for free or low cost pills: Planned Parenthood | Skip to review
Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) is a
This pill works by stopping the ovary from releasing an egg and preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. However, if a fertilized egg implants in the uterus before a person takes Plan B, the medication will not work.
Learn more about how conception works.
For best results, a person should take it as soon as possible after having sex without using a condom or other form of barrier birth control or if contraception has failed.
Plan B One-Step is effective when taken as soon as possible within the first
Even though this pill is most effective within the first 24 hours, it can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 87% so long as a person takes it in the first 3 days after sex.
Plan B may be
Plan B is an oral tablet. A person should follow all instructions on the product and consult a healthcare professional if they have any questions.
Emergency contraceptive pills work only after one episode of sex without a barrier method. Individuals engaging in regular sexual activity without any barrier methods who do not wish to become pregnant should consider a form of regular birth control. Plan B is not suitable for use as a daily birth control.
People must take one tablet within 72 hours after having sex without any form of contraception. If a person vomits
A person should inform a doctor if they have had unexplained vaginal bleeding before taking the Plan B pill. They must make an appointment to check the pill has worked if they do not get their period as expected.
Plan B is available without a prescription for people of any age.
People can buy emergency contraception online from reputable telemedicine companies or in their local pharmacy. Here, we discuss our trusted picks.
Best for generic Plan B: Nurx
- Price: $14.99
- Generic or branded: generic
- Delivery time: 1 to 5 days
- Shipping cost: free
Nurx only offers levonorgestrel, the generic version of Plan B. Generic versions of drugs tend to be cheaper than branded ones, making Nurx a good choice for people on a budget.
However, the generic pill is not a good option for people who require immediate emergency contraception. People will usually receive this product within 5 days of ordering, but the company warns that increased demand has caused shipping delays.
If a person needs emergency contraception sooner, the company offers the prescription-only Ella with overnight shipping.
Best for a multipack: Wisp
- Price: $18
- Generic or branded: generic
- Delivery time: 3 to 5 days
- Shipping cost: free
Wisp offers generic Plan B. People can buy anywhere from one to six pills at a time, making this a good option for people who prefer to have a supply in case of contraception failure.
Like other brands that offer generic Plan B, this is not a good option for people who require same- or next-day delivery. People will receive this pill within 5 days of ordering.
Wisp does offer Ella, a prescription-only emergency contraception, with same-day pick-up from a local pharmacy.
Best for same-day delivery: Target
- Price: $46.99
- Generic or branded: branded
- Delivery time: same day
- Shipping cost: $9.99
Target offers same-day pick-up and delivery of branded Plan B, making this a good option for people who need emergency contraception as soon as possible.
Additionally, Target accepts flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) payments.
Target may be a good choice for people who have a store nearby, as most locations offer same-day pick-up in-store. Otherwise, people will need to pay $9.99 for same-day delivery.
Best for insurance: Pandia Health
- Price: $26, or $0 with insurance
- Generic or branded: generic
- Delivery time: 3 to 5 days
- Shipping cost: free
Pandia Health is a good option for people who have insurance that covers emergency contraception, as they will not need to pay for the medication.
The company offers generic Plan B and Ella. It recommends that only people with a BMI of 25 or lower buy Plan B, and those with a BMI of 26 or more choose Ella.
Like other companies, standard delivery of Plan B takes up to 5 days. However, Pandia Health does offer priority shipping upon request. This means that people may prefer to use this service if they need emergency contraception quickly.
Best for pill options: CVS Pharmacy
- Price: from $34.99
- Generic or branded: branded and generic
- Delivery time: same day
- Shipping cost: $5.99
CVS Pharmacy sells branded Plan B, generic Plan B, and Julie, which contain the same active ingredient.
Generic Plan B is the most affordable option the pharmacy offers. All three options are eligible for same-day delivery or pick-up, making CVS Pharmacy a good choice for those who need emergency contraception as soon as possible.
Same-day delivery is free for CarePass members, or it costs $5.99 per order.
People can use FSA and HSA payments at CVS Pharmacy.
Best for prescriptions: Lemonaid
- Price: $75
- Generic or branded: branded
- Delivery time: 1 business day
- Shipping cost: free
Lemonaid offers Ella, the prescription version of emergency contraception. Unlike companies that offer Plan B, people will receive Ella 1 business day after ordering.
People will need to fill out a health questionnaire, which a healthcare professional will review before prescribing the medication. Each consult costs $15. The company will then either ship the medication to a person’s home or to a local pharmacy.
However, Lemonaid does not accept insurance. People who do have insurance may wish to use a different service.
Best for those without health insurance: Planned Parenthood
- Price: varies
- Generic or branded: branded and generic
- Delivery time: available in centers
- Shipping cost: available in centers
Individuals can obtain Plan B from a Planned Parenthood health center, and they can choose to attend their appointment in person or online. A smartphone app is also available for Apple and Android users.
People don’t always have to book an appointment and do not need to show ID. There are also no age requirements.
The company says people who are ineligible for health insurance may be able to get Plan B for free or at a low cost.
| Price | Medications available | Shipping cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurx | $14.99 | • generic Plan B • Ella | free |
| Wisp | $18 | • generic Plan B • Ella | free |
| Target | $46.99 | branded Plan B | $9.99 |
| Pandia Health | $26 | • generic Plan B • Ella | free |
| CVS Pharmacy | $34.99 | • generic Plan B • branded Plan B • Julie | $5.99 |
| Lemonaid | $75 | Ella | free |
| Planned Parenthood | varies | • generic Plan B • branded Plan B • Ella | available in centers |
Plan B One-Step can cause side effects for some people. Some reported side effects include:
- menstrual bleeding that is heavier than usual
- nausea
- lower abdominal pain
- fatigue
- headache
- dizziness
- breast tenderness
- late period
The most common side effect of Plan B One-Step is heavier menstrual bleeding. Otherwise, the FDA generally regards the medication as safe. In addition, people who are breastfeeding can use the medication without adverse effects.
Plan B can also interact with other prescription and nonprescription medications, making the pill less effective. People should always let healthcare professionals know whether they are taking any medications or supplements to ensure the pill is right for them.
Learn more about Plan B side effects.
While Plan B can help prevent unintentional pregnancy after contraceptive failure, it is not a form of primary birth control.
There are many different types of contraception. Barrier methods, such as condoms, may be suitable for people who prefer nonhormonal options, whereas the birth control pill, implant, or some forms of IUD use hormones to prevent pregnancy.
There are even permanent forms of birth control, such as a vasectomy or tubal ligation.
Learn more about the different types of birth control.
Plan B is not the only emergency contraceptive people can use. Apart from Ella, most other options contain levonorgestrel, the same active ingredient that is in Plan B.
Levonorgestrel tablets are available over the counter and without a prescription. Prescription options, such as Ella, are only available with a valid prescription from a healthcare professional.
Ella may be more effective if a person has a higher BMI. Most online services offer this pill with same-day or next-day delivery, making it a good choice if a person requires emergency contraception as soon as possible.
Read our in-depth comparison of Plan B alternatives.
People should not use the Plan B One-Step as a regular birth control pill. They should discuss with a doctor if they want to learn more about regular birth control.
Planned Parenthood also recommends that individuals ask a doctor to determine if Plan B is safe for them. This is because levonorgestrel morning-after pills may not work if a person takes other medications, including some HIV drugs and antiseizure medications.
Plan B is an over-the-counter emergency contraception that people can buy online. Pharmacies and telehealth companies provide this pill with same-day delivery or delivery within 5 days.
Plan B stops the body from releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone. This can delay or stop an egg from being released during ovulation. It can also increase the thickness of the cervical lining, which makes it harder for sperm to move and travel to fertilize an egg.
The only way to know if Plan B has worked is if a person gets their period or has a negative pregnancy test.
However, it is important to note that, in some cases, Plan B can cause irregularities to a person’s next period. People may notice they begin earlier or later, and they may have a heavier or lighter period.
Plan B will prevent pregnancy in up to 87% of cases if a person takes it within 72 hours.
However, Plan B is less effective in people with a BMI of 26 and over. It is also more effective the sooner a person takes it after contraceptive failure.
Ella, another emergency contraceptive with a different active ingredient, will be more effective for people with overweight or obesity. Ella is a prescription-only medication.
Plan B One-Step is a single-dose emergency contraceptive. A person should not use it in place of regular birth control methods. The medication is most effective when taken within the first 72 hours after a person has sex without contraception or if there is a risk the contraception has failed.
Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or other conditions and will not end an already established pregnancy.