Family Planning Plus

When taking emergency contraception, the instructions vary depending on the brand. It is important to take ECPs correctly to achieve good effectiveness.  They are most effective when take within 24 to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. ECPs are about 75% to 80% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Possible ways to take ECPs:  a) One pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex, then the second pill 12 hours after the first, b) Take both pills as the same time, as one dose, c) If using a “one step” pack, such as PlanB OneStep, one pill as one time dose.   The one dose way is easiest and reduces the risk of forgetting the second pill 12 hours later.

The brown discharge you had was probably a period caused by the emergency contraception. Additionally, Plan B may cause you to have an irregular cycle for a month or so, causing your next period to come earlier or later than usual.  However, if you have had other episodes of unprotected intercourse, you are still at risk for pregnancy. If your period is more than 1 week late, do a pregnancy test.