The Morning After Pill (Plan B) is a pill (or two pills) used as a form of emergency birth control when you are worried about pregnancy after sex. The Morning After Pill has many brand names that all work just as well, but one of the most common brand names is Plan B (other brands include Step Two, or Next Choice). The Morning After Pill contains a synthetic version of progesterone, which are hormones (aka chemicals) that are naturally occurring in the body. The hormones in this product delays the production of an egg which is needed for pregnancy to occur.

You can pick up the morning after pill at most pharmacies. The morning after pill is most effective if taken within 2 days (48 hours) after the sex you are worried about, but it can be taken for up to 5 days (120 hours) after. It’s common for the morning after pill to cause nausea and a delayed period. If you do happen to throw up within 1 hour of taking the pill, talk to a pharmacist or healthcare provider about how to proceed as you may need to take an extra dose.

Plan B is available at pharmacies and usually costs $15 to $50. Some of the cheapest places to purchase it in Ottawa are the Sexual Health Centre and the Carleton University campus pharmacy (you don’t have to be a student to purchase at this pharmacy).