How many times can I take Plan B? If I’m using it a lot can I take two?

 Welcome back to the SSIS column, where we answer any and all of Brandeis students’ questions about sex, sexuality, identity and relationships. If you have a question you’d like answered in our next column, email ssis@brandeis.edu or leave a question in the Google Form link on the Student Sexuality Information Service Facebook page. Any and all questions are welcome: there are no bad, stupid, or weird questions! 

(Note: These answers are good-faith attempts by SSIS to be helpful to the Brandeis community, and are by no means exhaustive or to be taken as universal. If these answers don’t resonate with you, either pay them no mind, or reach out to us with suggestions for improvement!)

Thank you for writing into the SSIS Hoot column! Plan B, also known as the morning-after-pill, does not have a limit on the number of times you can take it. Additionally, the frequency you use the pill does not alter the efficacy of the contraception. You can even take the pill up to three days after having unprotected sex! However, medical research does not show that taking two pills at the same time will increase its efficacy, and if you’ve already taken one dose, you will not need an additional dose the same day. Another note on efficacy is that the pill becomes less effective for those who weigh over 160 lbs. For those who weigh over 160 lbs, pills such as the Ella are available via prescription for emergency contraception. Depending on the person, there may be side effects after taking the pill, such as nausea, headaches or some bleeding in between periods, but these are consistent with potential effects of the contraception. That being said, it is 100% safe to take the pill as many times as you need. You can find the pill for a subsidized price in both the vending machine of the SCC, or in our office! If you have any further questions about the pill, feel free to text our hotline (586-ASK-SSIS) or stop by the office!