Next Choice

Brand Name: Next Choice

What Makes it Different?

• Next Choice utilizes a progestin called levonorgestrel. This is a first generation progestin, which is considered safer than newer, third generation progestins.
• This is the generic of Plan B so the cost is usually 10-20% lower, ranging from about $28 to $55.
• Next Choice is available over-the-counter to people 17 years and older or by prescription for everyone. It is commonly stocked in pharmacies nationwide.
• Next Choice can be taken in one or two doses. If you choose the two-dose method, you must take the second pill 12 hours after the first. Or you can take them both simultaneously.
• Women with known or suspected pregnancy should not use Next Choice.
• Women who are breastfeeding should consult their doctor before using Next Choice.

How it works

Emergency contraceptives are sometimes known as the “morning-after pill.” This nickname is misleading, because the pill can be taken up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sexual intercourse, not just the next morning.

Next Choice utilizes progestin (the same hormone found in birth control pills, the patch and the ring) to keep the ovaries from ovulating (releasing an egg). Next Choice also thickens the woman’s cervical mucus to block sperm from reaching the egg. Lastly, it thins the lining of the uterus, making it less hospitable to implantation of a fertilized egg.

Emergency contraceptives are another form of pregnancy prevention, not an abortion pill. They keep pregnancy from occurring, but they cannot terminate pregnancy. This is a common misconception regarding the morning-after pill.

Emergency contraceptives must be taken after every instance of unprotected sex. Once taken, they do not prevent pregnancy that may occur from future instances of sexual intercourse.

There are many reasons that you might consider using an Emergency Contraceptive:

• Your forgot to take your birth control pills, put on the Patch or insert the Ring.
• The condom broke or came off, and your partner ejaculated in your vagina.
• Your diaphragm, cervical cap or sponge slipped out of place, and your partner ejaculated in your vagina.
• Your partner didn’t pull out in time.
• You may have miscalculated your safe days using the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM).
• You did not use any birth control.
• You were forced to have unprotected sexual intercourse or were raped.

How to Use

Next Choice can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) in drugstores, health centers and pharmacies. You can also get it at Planned Parenthood. You must be at least 17 to purchase the morning-after pill OTC. People under 17 must go to a health center or their private health care provider for a prescription.

Next Choice comes in one-pill or two-pill dosages. Take the first pill as soon after unprotected sex as is possible. Take the second pill exactly 12 hours later. You may take both Next Choice pills at the same time if you choose but uncomfortable side effects may be increased. It may reduce nausea to take the pills with food.

You need to obtain emergency contraceptives as soon as possible after unprotected sex. The sooner you take them, the more effective they are at preventing pregnancy.

Effectiveness

Emergency contraceptives can be taken up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex occurs. However, they are most effective when taken within three days (72 hours) when they reduce the risk of pregnancy by 89%.

Benefits

The benefit of Next Choice is that it is a second line of defense against getting pregnant. Sometimes first methods of birth control fail – because of misuse or a faulty product. Some people may find it difficult to postpone sex when contraception isn’t available, and the morning-after pill can help ensure that does not result in pregnancy. However, emergency contraceptives are not meant for frequent use or to be used in place of regular birth control.

Risks

Approximately one in four women will have nausea or sick feelings after taking emergency contraceptives. Some women combat this with an anti-nausea medicine, which can be taken one hour before Next Choice. Other side effects can include

• irregular bleeding (especially probable if morning-after pill is taken often)
• headaches
• breast tenderness
• dizziness