If Family Planning is closed and you need Plan B Emergency Contraception, it is available at the pharmacies listed below. You do not need a prescription from a medical provider if you are 18 or older; however, it may benefit you to call ahead because the cost varies quite a bit depending on where you get it. If you have TAKE CHARGE, take a copy of your coupon with you to cover the cost. Remember to take your identification with you.
Plan B Hotline: 1-888-NOT-2-LATE
If you are having a medical emergency:
For domestic abuse or rape:
What's involved?
Emergency contraceptive (EC) pills contain a progestin hormone which is similar to the natural progesterone women produce in their ovaries. They should be taken as soon after sex as possible or within 3 to 5 days (72 to 120 hours) of having unprotected sex. They are more effective the sooner they are taken. However they are not as effective as using other methods of contraception such as the pill or condoms regularly and do not protect you against sexually transmitted infections.
How do I take them?
PLAN B comes in a packet of two pills. The two pills should be taken together (at the same time), with food, and as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
How does Plan B work?
The pills may:
Will Plan B protect me from pregnancy until my next period?
No. It will not protect you from pregnancy if you have further unprotected sex.
Can anyone use Plan B?
Almost every woman can use it. However, if you are taking certain prescribed or over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements, or suffer from particular illnesses you may need special advice. Consult your pharmacist or physician.
What are the side effects?
There are no serious short or long-term effects from using Plan B. Some women will feel sick and have headaches, dizziness, tiredness, breast tenderness and abdominal pain. A very small number of women may vomit. Contact us if you do vomit or if you have any concerns or questions.
How will Plan B affect my period?
Your period may come earlier than expected or it may be up to a week late. It usually comes within a few days of when you would expect it. You may experience some irregular bleeding between taking Plan B and getting your next period.
Do I need to see a doctor or nurse after taking Plan B?
Not usually, but do go and see a doctor or nurse if:
Can Plan B fail?
Emergency pills are very effective and should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. They are most likely to fail if you:
What if I vomit within two hours of taking either pill?
Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. They may give you extra pills or a medicine to stop you from vomiting again.
How will I know if Plan B has worked?
If you have taken the pills correctly and your next period seems normal, it is unlikely that you will be pregnant. If you are worried, seek advice.
Are there any risks if Plan B fails?
Plan B has not been shown to affect a pregnancy or harm a developing baby. As with any pregnancy there is a small chance that an ectopic pregnancy may occur.
Can I use Plan B regularly?
Emergency pills are not as effective as using other contraceptive methods regularly. If you do not want to become pregnant you should always use contraception. You can take Plan B more than once – this is not dangerous, but may disrupt your periods. If you want advice on any method of contraception, contact us.
Can I get Plan B in advance?
Yes, if you are worried about your contraceptive method failing or cannot get emergency contraception easily. You do not need an appointment, just drop by the clinic.
Can I get Plan B from a Pharmacist?
Yes. If you are 18 years of age and older you can get Plan B over the counter without a prescription. However, it is not currently available at all pharmacies. See the list of local pharmacies where Plan B is available on our I Need Help Now! page. If you have TAKE CHARGE or medical coupons, it will cover the cost.
Does Plan B emergency contraception cause an abortion?
No, Plan B may stop ovulation or fertilization of an egg, or stop a fertilized egg from implanting in the womb. Medical research is quite clear that emergency contraception prevents pregnancy and is not abortion. Abortion can only take place after a fertilized egg has implanted in the womb. People who believe life begins when the egg is fertilized may not wish to use emergency contraception.
What should I do if I think there is a problem?
If you are worried about anything to do with your emergency contraception see a medical provider as soon as possible. Seek care if you are experiencing:
Once your pregnancy has been confirmed our clinic counselors will talk with you about your options, offer appropriate information, answer questions and provide referrals. Our services are confidential. Regardless of your decision, the sooner you get advice and/or care the better.
Options
Other Resources
Aurora Medical Services
Confidential, compassionate healthcare for all women. They are located in Seattle
Cedar River Clinics
Previously known as 'A Woman's Choice', Cedar River Clinics is located in Yakima, Renton, and Tacoma. All three work together with compassion and courage to provide access and resources to individuals seeking reproductive healthcare services in a nonjudgmental and confidential manner, supporting the right to empowered choice. "Your Body, Your Life, Your Choice."
Catholic Family and Child Services
23 S. Wenatchee Ave
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 662-6761
New Hope Child and Family Adoption Agency
New Hope is a private, non-profit adoption and foster care agency licensed in Washington and other states.
Spokane Consultants in Family Living: Open Adoption Services
Committed to the concept that birthparents and birthfamilies do not have to lose contact with the children they place for adoption.