Morning After Pill

Emergency Contraception (or The Morning After Pill) 

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I've heard about something called the "Morning After Pill". What is it? How can I use it? Where do I get it?

The Morning After Pill is also known as Emergency Contraception. It is actually a high dose of birth control pills that can prevent pregnancy from occurring. The earlier you take it, the better it works. But it must be taken within 72 hours after having unprotected sexual intercourse (for example: if the condom broke or you didn't use any protection).

The usual prescription has always been four tablets of Ovral (a brand of birth control pills) -- two taken immediately and two more taken 12 hours later. However, now that the Morning After Pill has been officially approved by Health Canada, it now comes in its own package. It's called Plan B, and includes 2 pills, and an info booklet. There can be substitutions but only certain kinds of pills will work.

The Morning After Pill is now available at most pharmacy locations. You can purchase it for a cost of $25 - $50 depending on the pharmacy. You can simply call ahead and ask if they have Emergency Contraception in stock and if so, what the cost is.

If you cannot afford the cost at the pharmacy you can still see a doctor. You can get Ovral from most family doctors and emergency rooms or call the Planned Parenthood for a confidential referral. Our number is 579-1009 in St. John's or call toll-free at 1-877-No-Myths (1-877-666-9847).

You may have some uncomfortable side effects from Ovral such as nausea and vomiting. This can be relieved by taking an anti-nausea drug like Gravol one hour before each dose of the Morning After Pill. The Morning After Pill can also temporarily disrupt your menstrual cycle but you should get a period within 21 days. If you don't, you should get a pregnancy test. However, the Morning After Pill is extremely effective when taken according to these directions.