Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Is it a good idea to have Plan B over the counter? What are some major risks associated with plan B?


Answer:
I practice in North Carolina and Plan B is over the counter (I'm not sure if that goes for other states as well). Plan B is also known as the "morning after" pill. As of right now the female wanting Plan B must be counseled by the pharmacist as well as signing for it, but there is no prescription needed. It's fairly safe if used only when absolutely needed. The problem is abuse. I mean by females using Plan B as their only form of birth control instead of seeing a doctor regularly. Cancer and Stroke is a risk if used often enough it's the equivalent of taking about four of your regular birth control pills at one time.
I assume that you are asking about "morning after" pills. Plan B is one type of contraception taken the day after intercourse. Currently there is a debate about whether these medications should be over the counter. They are already over the counter in other countries. Studies have shown them to be safe. They are usually pills containing estrogen, progesterone, or both. The major risk of the medication is blood clots and certain cancers. With single dosing, it is not clear that there is the same risk as with daily usage (oral contraceptive pills).
Most doctors feel that they should be over the counter and that the data shows it to be safe. The reason they are not already is probably more politically motivated than study driven.

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