Taking it within 72 hours of condomless sex or a birth control failure can help prevent unintended pregnancy.
The Take Action pill is not regularcontraceptionbut is intended to be used as a backup when mistakes happen.
However, Take Action may not be suitable in all situations and may increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
How It Works
Take Action containslevonorgestrel.
That’s aprogestin(a female hormone) that’s used in manybirth control pills.
However, Take Action has more progestin than regularcombination birth control pills.
It also doesn’t containestrogen(the primary female hormone).
Some debate exists over how Take Action works.
A popular theory holds that itstops you from ovulating(releasing an egg).
Take Action is most effective when you use it quickly.
All morning-after pills become less effective as time passes.
Take Action is most effective within 24 hours after sexual activity.
It’s less effective between 24 and 48 hours afterward.
After 48 hours, it’s even less effective.
Whenused properly, Take Action significantly reduces your odds of getting pregnant.
Research shows it prevents about 7 of every 8 potential pregnancies.
When to Use
you’re free to use Take Action at any time of the month.
The earlier you take it, the better your odds of it working.
Side Effects
When used correctly, Take Action is considered safe.
Still, side effects are possible.
Effectiveness
You’ll only know Take Action worked if you get your period.
It should start within a week of when you’d normally expect it.
If you’re more than seven days late, you could be pregnant.
You may want to take a home pregnancy test.
If it’s positive, follow up with your healthcare provider.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Researchers suspectprogestin-only contraceptivesare linked to ectopic pregnancies.
That happens when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
Usually, that occurs in a fallopian tube.
It can rupture and cause serious internal bleeding.
This is life-threatening and requires immediate surgery.
You may have an ectopic pregnancy if:
Get emergency medical help if you suspect an ectopic pregnancy.
You don’t need a prescription.
Check your policy to see if it’s covered.
You may want to ask your healthcare provider for a prescription ahead of time.
That way, it’s available without delay if you need it.
Take Action can be bought over the counter, without a prescription, no matter your age.
Buying Tips
Most pharmacies and drugstores carry Take Action.
You may also find it helpful to buy Take Action ahead of time.
Then it’s ready right away if the need arises.
Cost
Take Action usually costs about 20% less than the brand-name product Plan B One-Step.
Still, it’s among the more expensive options.
Summary
Take Action is emergency contraception.
It’s not an abortion pill.
you might use it after condomless sex or birth control failure.
It’s believed to work by preventing ovulation.
Take Action works best in the first 24 hours.
The longer you wait, the less likely it is to be effective.
It’s unlikely to work more than five days after you engaged in sexual activity.
You’ll only know it worked if you have a period or take a pregnancy test.
you’re free to buy Take Action without a prescription and at any age.
Check to see if your insurance company covers it and under what circumstances.
A Word From Verywell
Take Action is just one option for emergency contraception.
Remember that you oughta act quickly, before pregnancy has a chance to begin.
If you’re free to’t see your regular provider right away, consider going to urgent care.
Frequently Asked Questions
The morning-after pill is a form of emergency birth control.
It can prevent pregnancy but won’t end an established pregnancy.
The morning-after pill is for use after condomless sex or birth-control failure.
Failures may be:
Morning-after pills disrupt or delay ovulation or fertilization.
That stops pregnancy from taking place.
The pills contain either progestin (a synthetic form of the hormoneprogesterone) or anti-progestin agents.
Take Action costs around 20% less.
Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptives like Take Action should be taken within 72 hours of condomless sex.
They may work up to five days later.
After 72 hours, Ella is the most effective morning-after pill.However, it requires a prescription.
Plan B and generic versions like Take Action do not.
Ella also tends to work better in women with a BMI of 30 or less.
It is not effective for those with a BMI of 35 or more.
Acopper intrauterine machine (IUD)is the most reliable form of emergency contraception.
It works as well on day five as on day one.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Plan B One-Step (1.5 mg levonorgestrel) information.
A review of its mechanism of action.Linacre Q. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.Ectopic pregnancy.
Yale University, Yale Health.Emergency contraception - “morning after pill”.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA AccessData.Highlights of prescribing information: Ella (ulipristal acetate) tablet.
Kardos L, Magyar G, Schvab E, Luczai E.Levonorgestrel emergency contraception and bodyweight.Curr Med Res Opin.
2011;84(5):486-492. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2011.03.006
