Medically reviewed by Alan Lucks | MD, Alan Lucks MDPC Private Practice - New York on February 5th, 2026.
Plan B typically remains effective for about four years from the manufacture date
Expired emergency contraception may lose potency and effectiveness
Always check the expiration date before using Plan B
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining medication integrity
Emergency contraception like Plan B provides an important backup option for preventing unintended pregnancy. Understanding its shelf life and storage requirements can help ensure you're prepared when you need it most.
Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, contains levonorgestrel, a hormone that prevents pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse. While the medication is designed to be effective for several years, it's not immune to degradation over time.
Most Plan B medications have a standard shelf life of approximately four years from the manufacture date. However, this duration can vary slightly depending on the specific brand and manufacturing conditions. Birth control interactions with storage and environment can impact the medication's overall effectiveness.
Correct storage is critical for maintaining Plan B's effectiveness. Experts recommend:
Store at room temperature (68-77°F)
Keep away from direct sunlight
Avoid humid environments
Do not store in bathrooms or kitchens
Keep in original packaging
Identifying expired Plan B involves several key indicators:
Visible changes in pill appearance
Altered packaging condition
Past printed expiration date
Unusual smell or discoloration
Using expired Plan B can potentially:
Reduce pregnancy prevention effectiveness
Potentially compromise medication safety
Provide unreliable contraceptive protection
Expiration Factors |
Impact on Medication |
|---|---|
Temperature Exposure |
High risk of potency loss |
Humidity |
Can degrade active ingredients |
Direct Sunlight |
Accelerates chemical breakdown |
Storage Conditions |
Directly affects medication integrity |
If your Plan B has expired, obtain a new one.
Understanding Plan B's shelf life is crucial for effective emergency contraception. Always check expiration dates and store medications properly. Care you can trust. Doctronic is clinically validated with 99% treatment plan alignment.
Emergency contraception like Plan B provides an important backup option for preventing unintended pregnancy. Understanding its shelf life and storage requirements can help [...]
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