PREP Newsletter Southwest Ohio Issue 5

New Warning- Morning-After Pill

The European manufacturer of an emergency contraceptive pill identical to Plan B, (morning-after pill), has decided to put a warning label on the drug, saying, the drug is completely ineffective for women who weigh more than 176 pounds and begins to lose effectiveness in women who weigh more than 165 pounds. A rigorous study in 2011 attempted to identify factors associated with failure of emergency contraception, and suggested that Plan B One-Step may not be effective for heavier women, which has led to the new labeling in Europe. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC), weight data suggest that, at 166 pounds, the average American woman is too heavy to use the pills effectively. While there is some evidence, Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), believes that more study and research on the issue of weight and effectiveness of emergency contraception is needed. Take away message: Regardless of a womans age and weight, after three days, over-the-counter contraception forms diminish its effectiveness.