AVAILABLE OVER THE COUNTER
Emergency Contraception that helps prevent pregnancy after birth control failure or unprotected sex
What is Take Action®?
Take Action® is emergency contraception that helps prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours (3 days) after birth control failure or unprotected sex. The sooner it's taken, the better it works. It is a backup method of preventing pregnancy and should not be used as regular birth control because it's not as effective.
What Take Action® is not.
Take Action® will not work if you are already pregnant and will not affect an existing pregnancy. Take Action® will not protect you from HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
When should I use Take Action®?
The sooner you take emergency contraception, the better it works. You should use Take Action® within 72 hours (3 days) after you have had unprotected sex.
Take Action® is a backup or emergency method of birth control you can use when:
- Your regular birth control was used incorrectly or failed
- You did not use any birth control method
When not to use Take Action®.
Take Action® should not be used:
- As a regular birth control method, because it's not as effective as regular birth control.
- If you are already pregnant, because it will not work.
- If you are allergic to levonorgestrel or any other ingredients in Take Action®
How does Take Action® work?
Take Action® is one tablet with levonorgestrel, a hormone that has been used in many birth control pills for several decades. Take Action® contains a higher dose of levonorgestrel than birth control pills, but works in a similar way to prevent pregnancy. It works mainly by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. It is possible that Take Action® may also work by preventing fertilization of an egg (the uniting of sperm with the egg) or by preventing attachment (implantation) to the uterus (womb). It should not be used as regular birth control, as it is not as effective.
How can I get the best results from Take Action®?
You have up to 72 hours (3 days) to try to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. The sooner you take Take Action®, the better it works.
How effective is Take Action®?
If Take Action® is taken as directed, it can significantly decrease the chance that you will get pregnant. About 7 out of every 8 women who would have gotten pregnant will not become pregnant after taking Take Action®.
How will I know if Take Action® worked?
You will know Take Action® has been effective when you get your next period, which should come at the expected time, or within a week of the expected time. If your period is delayed beyond 1 week, it is possible you may be pregnant. You should get a pregnancy test and follow up with your healthcare professional.
Where can I find Take Action®?
Take Action® is available over the counter. You simply take it off the shelf and bring it to the cashier. No prescription or ID is required, and there is no age restriction.
How long after taking Take Action® can I resume my regular birth control?
You should resume your regular method of contraception—or start one, if you don't have a regular method—right away, since Take Action® does not protect against additional acts of unprotected sex.
What happens if I'm already pregnant and I take Take Action®?
Take Action will not work if you are already pregnant and it will not affect an existing pregnancy. If you have any concerns, please be sure to talk to your healthcare professional.
Can I take Take Action® as my regular birth control method?
Take Action® should not be taken as regular birth control. Take Action® is not as effective as using a regular birth control method correctly and consistently. It is a backup method to be taken if your regular birth control fails, or if you have sex without birth control. If you have unprotected sex after taking Take Action®, it will not prevent you from getting pregnant.
How often can I take Take Action®?
Take Action® should only be taken when emergency contraception is needed (when your primary birth control method fails or you forget to use birth control). You can take Take Action® when you need it, but remember that it should never replace regular methods of birth control, as it isn't as effective.
Take Action® doesn't provide long-term protection against future pregnancy—it works to prevent pregnancy after only one act of unprotected sex or birth control failure. If you are sexually active, even occasionally, see your healthcare professional or visit a clinic to find a method of birth control that suits you.
What are some possible side effects of Take Action®?
- Some women may have changes in their periods, such as a period that is heavier or lighter or a period that is early or late. If your period is more than a week late, you may be pregnant, and should follow up with your healthcare professional.
- If you have severe abdominal pain, you may have an ectopic pregnancy, and should get immediate medical attention.
- When used as directed, Take Action® is generally safe and effective. Side effects may include changes in your period, nausea, lower stomach (abdominal) pain, tiredness, headache, dizziness, and breast tenderness.
- If you vomit within 2 hours of taking medication, call a healthcare professional to find out if you should repeat the dose.
For more information, please contact Medical Information: 1-888-919-0780.