Teva Women’s Health has announced that its Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) tablet, 1.5mg emergency contraceptive is now available at licensed US retail pharmacies. Approved by the FDA on July 10, Plan B One-Step helps prevent an unintended pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure with just one pill in one dose.
Plan B One-Step is available over-the-counter (OTC) at the pharmacy for consumers age 17 or older with government-issued proof-of-age identification. Women younger than age 17 will require a prescription to purchase Plan B One-Step.
Amy Niemann, general manager, senior vice president of Teva Women’s Health, said: “Emergency contraception is more effective the sooner it’s taken, and Plan B One-Step allows women to act quickly after the unexpected happens because it’s only one pill that’s taken in one dose.”
Dr Kathy Besinque, associate professor of clinical pharmacy at University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, said: “Since the FDA expanded OTC access to those 17 and older, more women now have access to Plan B One-Step when they need it. It’s important to remember that emergency contraception is sold from behind the pharmacy counter. The Plan B One-Step web site has a helpful tool that facilitates a private purchase at the pharmacy—just hand the Patient Request Card to the pharmacist and you don’t have to say a word.”