Comments on: Pillow Talk with Diana: Should I Stock Up on Plan B?

By: Elza

Elza — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:32:02 +0000

I am lucky enough to have an incredibly thoughtful boyfriend who went to the pharmacy with me and paid for half of the cost. I’m also responsible enough to use birth control and condoms every time I have intercourse. Unfortunately, accidents do happen (such as a broken condom in my case), and having this for peace of mind is wonderful.

Going to websites for Plan B and Planned Parenthood, they do suggest keeping a box on hand, but it is critical to pay attention to the expiration dates. They also suggest taking it with food to prevent nausea, similar to other medications where nausea is a possible side effect.

Plan B should not substitute for responsible sexual habits. It’s there for mistakes that all people can make, which is lovely.

By: Valerie

Valerie — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:28:15 +0000

Does the cost vary by state? Or maybe its gotten more expensive… But when I was living in Minnesota I had to take it. But it was only $17, and that was at a regular pharmacy. I think too, if you’re near a planned parenthood its much cheaper, and the cost is also based on income. Not that anyone seems confused about it, but RU486 is the abortion pill, and is NOT something you can stock up on.

By: sara

sara — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:35:09 +0000

I had to take Plan B once, and it was definitely worth it. I was only 17 at the time, so it was kind of a pain to get it through a friend but I’m so glad I did instead of taking the gamble. It didn’t make me nauseous at all- if anything it made me feel GOOD and put me at peace-of-mind. However, it was $45 for 2 of the smallest pills I’ve seen in my LIFE. I definitely do not believe it is necessary to “stock up” on Plan B. I’m all about planning for accidents or worst case scenarios, but WHY someone would spend that money just to be prepared- instead of “hassle” to get it at 3am or the next morning a few hours later is beyond me. No offense intended I just don’t find it necessary to buy in advance, buying when I needed it worked out just fine for me

By: Jackie

Jackie — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:32:27 +0000

Depending on what part of the country you are in you can get Plan B for free. For example, Planned Parenthood in the Hudson Valley Area of NY gives it out for free.

Also, I never had side effects with Plan B-and I am speaking as someone with a weak stomach who gets frequently nauseous–it all depends on your body’s reaction to the drug, just like any other.

By: Hilary

Hilary — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:29:20 +0000

I’ve had to use the Plan B Pill in 2 emergency situations, and it was worth every penny….. but I agree with the above comments. If you are planning on being sexually active, you should be on birth control. I guess it wouldnt hurt to have 1 of these puppies on hand but they are around $40 a pop so…. yeah..

I remember the first time I had to use it I got SOOOOO nauseus… it was horrible. But the 2nd time I was fine..

By: Mollie

Mollie — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:23:19 +0000

Really, the point that should have been extremely stressed is that if you think you are going to need Plan B in the future you should really be on birth control and be using condoms. But yes, a pack of Plan B is great to have on hand.

By: Laura

Laura — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:08:33 +0000

I would suggest that you maybe buy 1 pack.. JUST ONE in advance to have on hand. Then if that one is used get a new one. As a pharmacy technician (and pharmacy student) I can not agree with the previous post of stocking up on TWO OR THREE(?!?!?!) Seriously? Unless you are not on birth control AND forget (very often) about using protection, than there is absolutely no need for more than one backup. Even if using the ‘a friend may need it’ excuse, your friends will not all want to borrow your PlanB on the same day/night.

Seriously though, medications EXPIRE, and make sure (even if you do decide to stock up on 2 or 3 packs) that you throw out EVERY expired pack EVERY TIME! Pills become ineffective after a certain amount of time on the shelf, and while some still work past their expiration date, this is not a med to gamble that with. Also, would you really be happy with yourself if you blew the money on 3 boxes and after a year passed (and the exp. date hit) you hadn’t needed them at all?! That is something one SHOULD be proud of, but the wastage of so-much-money would ruin that.

By: Diana - NYU

Diana - NYU — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 22:10:03 +0000

Thanks for commenting everyone!

LucyInTheSky – You’re right, some women do experience some nasty side effects from Plan B, one of the many reasons you should be super careful with your regular birth control use—you don’t want to have to make the choice between nausea, dizziness and a messed-up cycle and having to worry all month about your period arriving!

Ela – Hopefully there’s no need to rent out storage space just for your Plan B, but condoms break and accidents happen–better to be safe than sorry (and worried) and have two or three packs on hand.

And thanks to C and Mara for the useful info! I’d love to hear more about CC readers’ experiences with Plan B, from getting it to the side effects…keep sharing!

By: C

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:19:12 +0000

Note to anyone planning on picking Plan B up from a local pharmacy (and yes in my experience these issues have come up)

-Some insurance companies DO help with the costs however in order to bill them the pharmacy needs a prescription from your doctor. They can not “make one up” even if you ask nicely.

-Pharmacies are places of business, they will not hand out Plan B for free (unless it’s covered by your insurance). If your prescription less and worried about cost call local pharmacies in advance and get a price check.

-Don’t let a fear of being judged stop you from asking questions or getting Plan B. Pharmacists are people to and in their day to day job they come into contact with people way stranger than a girl being sex smart.

By: ela

ela — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:48:40 +0000

idk how someone would have to stock up…and be in that situation that many times in their life…yikes…stressful.