According to the makers of Plan B®, this over-the-counter emergency contraception pill typically is good for four years when stored correctly.
Think of a dry, dark place that stays around room temperature. (So not the bathroom 😉). Folks thinking about buying Plan B® for future use should check the expiration date on the outside of the box before purchasing. And, as with all medication, check the expiration date before taking.
Another emergency contraception pill ella® has a shelf life of three years. This is a good option for folks weighing between 165-195 lbs. If you weigh more than 195lbs, IUDs are a great choice for emergency contraception. (They require an office visit with your clinician for placement.)
Another great thing about IUDs is how long they work to prevent pregnancy.
- The copper IUD prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years.
- The hormonal IUDs, Mirena® and Liletta® prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years. (Bonus: They also help with heavy bleeding for up to 5 years. 🥳)
- The hormonal IUD, Skyla® prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years. (This IUD is not used for emergency contraception.)
And one more option in the category of long-acting reversible contraception is
- The hormonal implant Nexplanon® which prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years. (This also requires a short visit to your clinician’s office)
Look at all the good options available to prevent pregnancy!
As always, it’s a good idea to talk to your clinician about what’s best for your situation.
Stay informed, stay prepared,
Those Nerdy Girls&+
Thanks to Julia Feldman of https://www.instagram.com/givingthetalk/ for inspiring this post.
Additional resources:
Emergency Contraception, Beyond the Basics
