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No. While it is true that the “morning after pill” (emergency contraception) consists of
the same hormones present in most oral contraceptives, the ratios and dosages vary. It is not safe to take
regular birth control pills as a substitute for the “morning after pill” unless you have specific instructions
from a health care provider. All birth control pills are different and many do not have the correct ratio of
hormones to effectively block pregnancy. Also, high doses of regular birth control pills frequently cause
nausea and vomiting. They are best used with prescription strength anti-nausea pills to ensure correct
absorption with minimum side effects. If you vomit, how will you know you didn’t vomit up the hormone dose
that will prevent pregnancy?
Emergency contraception or the “morning after pill” is available through Barnard Health Services and other free
clinics in the area. These services are confidential and affordable. Health Services prescribes “Plan B” which
has few side effects because “Plan B” has been specifically engineered for emergency contraceptive purposes.
Anti-nausea medication is not necessary. Plan B is most effective when taken within 72 hours of unprotected
intercourse. However, the sooner the better so don’t wait too long...call the morning after! Emergency
contraception may still be used up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse.
If you need emergency contraception, call Student Health Services at x4-2091 between 8:30am
and 5pm. If you need emergency contraception on a weekend call the Clinician-On-Call at 666-5838. Remember
emergency contraception can wait until the “morning after” if a birth control method failure occurs during the
night. You can also call 1-800-NOT-TOO-LATE from anywhere in the country for emergency contraception.
If you want to know more, please come by the Well-Woman office in 119 Reid or call us at
x4-3063.
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