Plan B vs. Take Action — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on October 23, 2024
Plan B and Take Action are both emergency contraceptive pills designed to prevent pregnancy, but they differ in their active ingredients and availability.
Difference Between Plan B and Take Action
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Plan B One-Step, often simply referred to as Plan B, is an emergency contraceptive pill containing the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel. It is designed to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, interfering with fertilization, or preventing implantation of a fertilized egg. Plan B is most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) contraceptive failure but can be taken up to 5 days with decreasing effectiveness.
Take Action is another brand of emergency contraception that also contains levonorgestrel, the same active ingredient as Plan B. It works in a similar manner to prevent pregnancy and is intended to be used within the same time frame after unprotected intercourse or a known contraceptive failure. The effectiveness profile of Take Action mirrors that of Plan B, with optimal results achieved when the pill is taken as soon as possible after the incident.
The primary difference between Plan B and Take Action lies in their branding and possibly their price point. As generic versions of emergency contraceptives become available, Take Action may be offered at a lower price than Plan B without compromising efficacy. Both products are available over the counter without a prescription for consumers of all ages, making them accessible options for emergency contraception.
Both pills use the same mechanism to prevent pregnancy, while individual responses can vary due to factors such as timing of intake relative to the unprotected intercourse, the individual's body weight, and other medications or supplements being taken concurrently. Neither Plan B nor Take Action should be used as a regular form of contraception but rather as an emergency measure.
Choosing between Plan B and Take Action may ultimately come down to availability, cost considerations, and personal preference. It's important for users to follow the instructions provided with the medication carefully and consider consulting a healthcare provider for further guidance, especially if they have existing health conditions or concerns about how the emergency contraceptive may interact with other medications.
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Comparison Chart
Active Ingredient
Levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel
Mechanism
Prevents ovulation, fertilization, or implantation
Prevents ovulation, fertilization, or implantation
Time Frame
Most effective within 72 hours, up to 5 days
Most effective within 72 hours, up to 5 days
Prescription
Not required
Not required
Age Restriction
None
None
Availability
Over the counter
Over the counter
Price
May be higher
May be lower (generic)
Use
Emergency contraception only
Emergency contraception only
Compare with Definitions
Plan B
It is available over the counter without age restrictions.
She purchased Plan B from the pharmacy without needing to show ID.
Take Action
It also uses levonorgestrel to prevent pregnancy.
She took Take Action the morning after her birth control failed.
Plan B
Plan B is most effective within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.
Taking Plan B within 3 hours maximizes its effectiveness.
Take Action
Take Action is a generic emergency contraceptive similar to Plan B.
When Plan B was too expensive, she chose Take Action instead.
Plan B
Plan B is an emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel to prevent pregnancy.
After a condom broke, she took Plan B to prevent pregnancy.
Take Action
Effective within 72 hours, it’s best taken immediately after the incident.
She took Take Action after 24 hours, staying within the effectiveness window.
Plan B
It acts by inhibiting ovulation or preventing fertilized egg implantation.
Plan B worked by stopping the ovulation process.
Take Action
Available without prescription, it provides a more accessible option.
She was relieved to find Take Action available at her local drugstore.
Plan B
Plan B can be used by individuals of any age after contraceptive failure.
A college student used Plan B after forgetting her regular birth control.
Take Action
Take Action offers a cost-effective alternative to Plan B.
Opting for Take Action, she saved money without sacrificing efficacy.
Common Curiosities
Are there any side effects of taking Plan B or Take Action?
Possible side effects include nausea, fatigue, headache, and changes in menstrual cycle, but not everyone experiences them.
Can men buy Plan B or Take Action?
Yes, anyone can purchase these emergency contraceptives over the counter without age restrictions.
Can Plan B or Take Action be used as regular birth control?
No, they are intended for emergency use only and not as a substitute for regular contraceptive methods.
Is there a weight limit for the effectiveness of Plan B or Take Action?
Effectiveness may decrease for individuals over a certain weight; consult a healthcare provider for more information.
How does age affect the effectiveness of Plan B or Take Action?
Age does not directly affect effectiveness, but younger individuals may be more fertile, emphasizing the need for prompt use.
Are Plan B and Take Action the same?
Yes, both contain the same active ingredient, levonorgestrel, and work similarly to prevent pregnancy.
What if I vomit after taking Plan B or Take Action?
If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking the pill, consult a healthcare provider; you may need to take another dose.
Can I take Plan B or Take Action with other medications?
Some medications may reduce effectiveness; consult a healthcare provider if you're taking other medications.
Can I take Plan B or Take Action more than once in a cycle?
While not recommended as a regular practice, it's possible to use emergency contraception more than once if needed within a menstrual cycle.
Will taking Plan B or Take Action affect my fertility?
No, there's no evidence to suggest that using emergency contraception affects long-term fertility.
Where can I buy Plan B or Take Action?
Both are available over the counter at pharmacies, drugstores, and sometimes in vending machines in public spaces like universities.
How do I know if Plan B or Take Action worked?
The only way to be certain is to wait for your next menstrual period; it may come earlier, later, or be heavier or lighter than usual.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
