Emergency contraception from Nurx costs as little as $0 with insurance or $45 per pill without insurance.
The morning-after pill typically stays in your system for about 5–7 days, though its active effects on preventing pregnancy occur within the first 24–72 hours.
Most people will have the medication cleared from their bloodstream within a week, but trace amounts may remain detectable for up to two weeks.
- Your metabolism, liver, and kidney function
- Body weight and BMI
- Age and overall health
- Other medications you are taking
- Hydration levels
- Genetic differences in drug metabolism
- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- Nausea or fatigue
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Slightly decreased effectiveness with frequent use
How long is the morning-after pill active?
Emergency contraception is most effective within the first 72 hours after unprotected sex, but can work for up to 5 days (120 hours). Its main action is temporarily delaying ovulation. After this period, the pill no longer provides pregnancy protection, and your normal hormonal cycle resumes.
How long does Plan B® take to get out of your system?
The Plan B® (Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg) emergency contraceptive is usually eliminated within 5–7 days. It reaches peak blood levels in about 2 hours, and your body clears out about half of the medication within roughly a day. By the end of the week, more than 94% of the dose has been processed and removed through urine and stool.
What is the half-life of the morning-after pill?
Levonorgestrel stays in your body for a short time. Your body clears out about half of the medication within roughly 24–32 hours. Complete elimination takes about 5–7 days.
Will the morning-after pill work after ovulation?
Emergency contraception is less effective once ovulation has occurred because it mainly works by delaying or preventing ovulation. If an egg has already been released, the pill may not prevent fertilization, though some studies suggest it could still affect the uterine lining.
What can affect how long the pill takes to clear out?
Can I take Plan B® twice in a week?
It’s safe to take Plan B® more than once in the same week if needed, though it’s not recommended as a regular form of contraception.
Each dose works independently, and repeated use does not cause long-term fertility issues. However, you may notice:
How to stay protected with emergency contraception
Having emergency contraception on hand ensures you can take it within the most effective timeframe. Nurx makes it easy to get levonorgestrel delivered discreetly to your door, so you’re prepared when you need it most.
The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon this content for medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to a medical professional.
Levonorgestrel (generic Plan B®) tablet 1.5 mg, intended to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex, may cause side effects, including dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, nausea or spotting. If you would like to learn more about Levonorgestrel tablet 1.5 mg, please see product information here. Use as directed.
Individual results may vary.