Over-the-counter access to emergency contraception.
After years of debate, the Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for levonorgestrel (Plan B) to be sold over the counter to people ages 18 and older. The dual status of Plan B as an over-the counter drug and a prescription drug is unusual. The article reviews the drug's method of action and recommended dosage, as well as what nurses need to know to counsel patients on what to expect when taking the medication.
Aschenbrenner
Diane S
DS
Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA. dianea@son.jhmi.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000379:methods; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D017277:Drug Approval / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004348:Drug Labeling; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000600:supply & distribution; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D049168:Pregnancy, Unplanned / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D016912:Levonorgestrel