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Q&A

Answers to frequently asked questions about Next Choice®

  1. What are emergency contraceptives?
  2. What is Next Choice?
  3. Is Next Choice RU-486 (the abortion pill)?
  4. Does Next Choice work beyond 72 hours?
  5. What if a woman taking Next Choice is already pregnant?
  6. Can patients take both tablets simultaneously?
  7. How can I learn more about Next Choice?
  8. How can I obtain patient education materials about Next Choice?
  9. When was Next Choice approved?
  10. How does Next Choice work?

 

1. What are emergency contraceptives?

Emergency contraceptives provide women with a chance to prevent an unplanned pregnancy after unprotected sex, a sexual attack, or a known or suspected contraceptive failure. Many countries offering emergency contraceptives do not require a prescription.5

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2. What is Next Choice?

Next Choice is a progestin-only emergency contraceptive that helps prevent unplanned pregnancies after unprotected sex, a sexual attack, or a known or suspected contraceptive failure.

It is a generic product containing levonorgestrel and considered bioequivalent to its branded counterpart, the two tablet Plan B® product. Levonorgestrel is a clinically trusted progestin.

Next Choice should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, a sexual attack, or a known or suspected contraceptive failure. When used as directed, the risk of getting pregnant can be reduced by as much as 89%. A study demonstrated efficacy within 72 hours, and even greater efficacy when taken within 24 hours.3,4

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3. Is Next Choice RU-486 (the abortion pill)?

No. Next Choice is not RU-486 (the abortion pill). RU-486 (mifepristone) has anti-progesterone activity and may be used to induce a medical abortion up to 49 days’ gestation.

Next Choice, on the other hand, is an emergency contraceptive that helps prevent an unplanned pregnancy within 72 hours of unprotected sex, a sexual attack, or a known or suspected contraceptive failure. When taken as directed, it will not be effective on an existing pregnancy. Levonorgestrel is believed to act as an emergency contraceptive principally by preventing ovulation and/or fertilization by altering tubal transport of sperm and/or ova. It may also inhibit implantation by altering the endometrium.

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4. Does Next Choice work beyond 72 hours?

While studies have looked at this topic,7,8 use beyond 72 hours after intercourse is not FDA approved. When used as directed, the rate of pregnancy is reduced by up to 89% if it is taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, a sexual attack, or a known or suspected contraceptive failure. Also, a study showed even greater efficacy when taken within 24 hours.3,4

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5. What if a woman taking Next Choice is already pregnant?

There’s no medical evidence to suggest Next Choice will affect the pregnancy. Many studies have found no effects on fetal development associated with long-term use of contraceptive doses of oral progestins (POPs). The few studies of infant growth and development that have been conducted with POPs had not demonstrated significant adverse effects.

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6. Can patients take both tablets simultaneously?

No. While there have been studies that have looked at 2 tablets taken at the same time,8,9 this dosing regimen is not FDA approved.

Next Choice is easy for your patients to take. There are only 2 tablets: (1) one tablet that is taken as soon as possible within 72 hours after unprotected sex, a sexual attack, or a known or suspected contraceptive failure and (2) the second tablet that is taken 12 hours after the first. The sooner the first tablet is taken after unprotected sex, a sexual attack, or a known or suspected contraceptive failure, the greater are the chances that it will be effective.3

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7. How can I learn more about Next Choice?

For more clinical information about Next Choice, please call our toll-free number at 866-9WATSON.

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8. How can I obtain patient education materials about Next Choice?

You can get patient education materials easily by downloading them from our Support Materials page. In addition, you can call our toll-free number, 866-9WATSON, for printed materials.

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9. When was Next Choice approved?

Next Choice was first approved for prescription use in July 2009. In August 2009 it were approved for OTC use by consumers 17 years or older. Women 16 years of age or younger require a prescription.

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10. How does Next Choice work?

Next Choice is similar to birth control pills. It is believed to work by (1) preventing ovulation, (2) preventing fertilization by altering tubal transport of sperm and/or egg, and (3) possibly inhibiting implantation by altering the endometrium.

Once the implantation process begins, emergency contraceptives are no longer effective. However, when taken as directed Next Choice will not end an existing pregnancy.

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View Important Safety Information and Prescribing Information.

Important Safety Information

Next Choice® is not effective if you’re already pregnant, and it will not terminate an existing pregnancy. Next Choice does not protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Side effects may include nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, changes in your period, dizziness, and breast tenderness. If your period is more than a week late, you may be pregnant. If you have severe abdominal pain, you may have an ectopic pregnancy, and you should get immediate medical help.

To report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA, visit fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information about Next Choice, please call our Medical Communications Department at 866-9WATSON.

This Web site is intended for United States Prescribers, Pharmacists & Consumers.

Plan B® is a registered trademark of Women’s Capital Corporation, a subsidiary of Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.