Heya
birthcontrol!
We interrupt your regularly scheduled post for MORE great U.S. Plan B news!
Just a few weeks ago
we told you that a generic version of Plan B/Emergency Contraception (the so-called "morning after pill") had been approved, and would be on sale in late August.
Today there's even
better news. First, you'll have a choice:
1) Plan B: Brand name, two tablets, 12 hours apart
2) NEW: Plan B One Step: Brand name, ONE TABLET
3) NEW: Next Choice: Generic, Two Tablets, 12 hours apart The even
better news is that
all of these will be available "behind the counter", i.e. you don't need a prescription, but you do have to ask for it, to
anyone SEVENTEEN and older..
The FDA has dropped its minimum age for getting access to these products without a prescription
to 17. This means you, a friend, or your partner who is 17 or older can get Plan B, Plan B One Step, or Next Choice (as soon as they're available in August) by going to the pharmacy counter, asking for it, and showing ID (proof of age).
It
appears that the drop in age limit is immediate, but I'll be researching to confirm asap.
Sources
here and
here.
We don't normally get political here, but I'd like to thank the Obama administration for moving so quickly to make these changes possible. I'm looking forward to seeing even more.
dindin, for the rest of the mods:
karolijn ,
ladykathryn ,
mslaynie and
thette