Some common questions about emergency contraceptive and birth control.
One pill must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. Naturally, the sooner you take it, the better are your chances of stopping a pregnancy.
No, Levonorgestrel is not RU-486 and will not work if you are already pregnant.
The only way to know is if you get your next menstrual period, within a week of your expected time. If it is delayed beyond 1 week, you may be pregnant. Get a pregnancy test and follow up with your doctor.
Levonorgestrel cannot terminate a pregnancy. There is no medical evidence that it will harm a developing baby and your pregnancy will continue without issue.
If you experience severe lower stomach (abdominal) pain 3 to 5 weeks after taking Levonorgestrel, you may have an ectopic pregnancy outside the uterus. This type of pregnancy requires immediate medical treatment. See your doctor immediately.
Resume taking your regular birth control pills the day after taking Levonorgestrel. Emergency contraception pills will not reliably protect against additional unprotected sex. If you are just starting birth control, begin taking your pills the day after taking Levonorgestrel.