title: Over-the-counter access to emergency contraception.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA. dianea@son.jhmi.edu
authors.forename: Diane S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Aschenbrenner
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D016912:Levonorgestrel