The pill will be most effective within 24 hours but still relatively effective for up to 3 days. However, you can still take for up to 5 days after having sex, but it is not as effective.

It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking a second dose.

Talk to your doctor if you are on one of these drugs and need to use emergency contraceptive. Though antibiotics can affect your regular birth control, it has not been shown to affect Plan B One-Step.

Similarly, if you have abnormal cramps or pain a month or so after taking the pill, you should also talk to your doctor. These symptoms are problematic because they could be a sign that you miscarried a pregnancy. On the other hand, they can indicate an ectopic pregnancy, where an egg implants but not in the uterus.

Also, talk to your doctor if your period is more than three weeks late after taking the pill. Plan B One-Step is not 100% effective all of the time, so it is still possible to get pregnant after taking it.

Talk to your doctor or visit a free clinic to discuss your safe sex and birth control options.

You can buy it to keep on hand. The pill can be fairly expensive ($50 or more), and it will have an expiration date. However, you can get generic pills that work the same for slightly cheaper. For instance, you can buy a generic version, After Pill, online for about $20. [13] X Research source If you are a college student, sometimes your student health center will have Plan B One-Step for cheaper.

In the past, you need a prescription if you were 16 and under to buy the Plan B One-Step Pill. However, now anyone can buy the pill who needs it, and you don’t even need to show ID. You may need to ask a pharmacist to obtain the pill. If you’re embarrassed, try going to a pharmacy that’s not near you. Visit one on the other side of town, or try going at a time when there won’t be as many people around. Additionally, try talking to a pharmacist or cashier who’s the same sex as you, if that will help you feel less embarrassed.