Q&A
Answers to frequently asked questions about Next Choice®
- What is Next Choice?
- How does Next Choice work?
- Can Next Choice be used as a method for regular birth control?
- When should Next Choice be used?
- When should you not use Next Choice?
- When is Next Choice taken?
- How can I get the best results with Next Choice?
- How will I know if Next Choice worked?
- What if I’m pregnant and use Next Choice?
- How often can I use Next Choice?
- Are there any side effects associated with Next Choice?
- Are there warnings that I should know about with Next Choice?
- When can I begin taking my regular birth control pills after taking Next Choice?
- Where can I learn more about Next Choice?
Next Choice is emergency contraception. It is a generic product that is FDA approved and pharmaceutically equivalent (bioequivalent) to the two tablet Plan B® product. It is not for routine use. It is a safe, effective emergency birth control option that can help you prevent an unplanned pregnancy:
- if a birth control method fails (such as when a condom breaks or slips)
- if you don't take your birth control pills as directed
- if you are sexually attacked
As with many birth control pills, Next Choice contains levonorgestrel. It differs from birth control pills in that it contains a larger dose of levonorgestrel and does not contain estrogen.
2. How does Next Choice work?
Next Choice prevents a pregnancy the same way that a birth control pill does. It
is believed that Next Choice prevents the egg from being (1) released from the ovary
(ovulation), (2) fertilized by the sperm (fertilization), or (3) attached to the
uterus (implantation). Implantation occurs about 7 days after ovulation.
Next Choice contains levonorgestrel, a hormone used in birth control pills for over 35 years. The dose of the levonorgestrel in Next Choice is higher than in a single birth control pill. It is proven safe. When taken as directed, it will not have an effect on an existing pregnancy.
3. Can Next Choice be used as a method
for regular birth control?
No. Next Choice should never be used to replace your regular method
of birth control. Next Choice is simply not as effective as traditional birth control
methods. It is an emergency method to be used only when regular birth control fails
or is not used. It is important to remember that unprotected sex after treatment
with Next Choice may result in pregnancy.
4. When should Next Choice be used?
Next Choice is an emergency method to regular birth control. It should be used when
you had unprotected sex (one or several times) within the last 3 days (72 hours)
and do not want to become pregnant.
Next Choice can help prevent unplanned pregnancies when:
- a birth control method fails (such as when a condom breaks or slips)
- if you don't take your birth control pills as directed
- you do not use birth control (such as when there’s a sexual assault or you forget your current birth control method)
5. When should you not use Next Choice?
Next Choice should only be considered an emergency method of contraception. It should not be used if you:
- are relying on them for regular birth control. Other methods of birth control are more effective when it is used properly and consistently
- are already pregnant, because it will not disrupt or affect an existing pregnancy
- are allergic to levonorgestrel or any ingredients in Next Choice
- want protection against HIV (the AIDS virus) or other sexually transmitted diseases
- Take the first tablet as soon as possible but not later than 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, sexual attack, or a known or suspected contraceptive failure
- Take the second tablet 12 hours after you took the first one
If you vomit within 1 hour of taking either dose of medication, call a healthcare provider to determine if a repeat dose will be needed.
7. How can I get the best results with Next Choice?
After unprotected sex, you only have a short “72-hour” window
to help prevent a possible pregnancy. The sooner you take Next Choice, the better
your results will be. Be sure to take the first tablet as soon as possible but not
later than 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, sexual attack, or a known or
suspected contraceptive failure. The second tablet should be taken 12 hours later.
8. How will I know if Next Choice worked?
In most instances, your next menstrual period will come at or within 1 week of its
expected time. If it is delayed beyond 1 week, you could be pregnant. You should
take a pregnancy test and follow up with your healthcare professional.
9. What if I’m pregnant and use Next Choice?
When taken as directed, Next Choice is not effective in ending an existing pregnancy.
Please speak to your healthcare professional if you are pregnant.
10. How often can I use Next Choice?
Next Choice should only be used infrequently when emergency protection is needed.
If you require emergency contraception more often, please consult with your healthcare
professional for guidance in birth control and the prevention of sexually transmitted
diseases.
11. Are there any side effects associated with
Next Choice?
When used as directed, nausea, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness,
or menstrual changes (such as spotting or bleeding prior to a period) may occur.
Your next period could be heavier or lighter, or earlier or later. If your period
is more than a week late, you should get a pregnancy test and follow up with your
healthcare provider.
12. Are there warnings that I should know about with
Next Choice?
Next Choice does not protect against the AIDS virus (HIV) or other sexually transmitted
diseases. It is not for women who are (1) already pregnant (because it will not
work), (2) allergic to levonorgestrel or any of the ingredients in Levonorgestrel,
or (3) looking for a regular birth control method.
Possible medical side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, diarrhea, dizziness, breast pain, headache, breast tenderness, and menstrual changes (heavier or lighter menstrual bleeding.)
If you experience severe pain in the lower stomach, you may have an ectopic pregnancy outside the uterus (a tubal pregnancy). Immediate medical treatment is neccessary in such a situation.
13. When can I begin taking my regular birth control
pills after taking Next Choice?
Be sure to check with your healthcare provider for instructions on how to take your
oral contraceptive. Follow the directions for use of your usual contraceptive.
14. Where can I learn more about Next
Choice?
If you have questions or need more information about this product, call our toll-free
number, 866-9WATSON, or talk to your healthcare provider.
