Plan B, also known as the “morning after” pill, is an emergency contraceptive that you can use to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Plan B is a pill you take orally after you have unprotected sex or sex during which your protection somehow failed. You don’t need an ID to buy Plan B, but:
Do grocery stores sell Plan B?
Yes, you can find Plan B in most grocery stores that sell family planning or pharmacy products. There are a small number of exceptions.
While all big grocery stores generally stock Plan B, some grocery stores, especially smaller ones, may not.
Read on to learn more about where to buy Plan B, when to use it, and how effective it is.
Do Grocery Stores Sell Plan B?
Many grocery stores sell Plan B, but you might need help finding it. The good news is that Plan B is a product you can buy without having to show your ID.
In grocery stores that sell Plan B, you will find it in the family planning aisle, at the pharmacy counter (if there is one), or in some rarer cases, close to the check-out.
If you feel embarrassed, you can buy Plan B online, but you need to realize that delivery times can cause a serious problem. In this case, it’s worth paying for express delivery.
It might be worth buying some in advance to have it on hand if you ever need it (it has a shelf life of four years).
Does Walmart Sell Plan B?
Walmart sells Plan B, but depending on the store, it might be in a different location. Some stores have Plan B in the family planning aisle next to other over-the-counter contraceptives.
In other Walmart stores, Plan B might be behind a counter. This is often the case in Walmart stores that have their own pharmacy.
You can also buy Plan B online at Walmart.
Does Walgreens Sell Plan B?
Walgreens stocks and sells Plan B.
Depending on the store’s layout, you will usually find Plan B pills in the family planning section or the pharmacy.
Why Do Some Grocery Stores Not Sell Plan B?
No law tells grocery stores that they need to stock a product like Plan B, so some might not want to sell it.
You will find that this is often the case with smaller, privately owned grocery stores in more conservative/religious states.
Plan B Related Questions
When Do I Take Plan B?
The basic rule for taking Plan B after unprotected sex: The sooner, the better.
The most effective time to take Plan B is within 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex.
Is Plan B Always Effective?
Plan B is less effective than other birth control methods. Plan B’s manufacturer states that the emergency contraceptive works in 7 out of 8 cases. There is a 75% to 89% chance of success (i.e., no pregnancy) if you take the pill as instructed on the leaflet and within 72 hours after unprotected sex.
If you take Plan B any later, it can still work, but the drug will only be “moderately effective.” This means: the longer you wait, the more likely a pregnancy becomes.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or a health care professional so please talk to a professional if you have questions.
Are Plan B Pills Legal In All States Of The USA?
For now, buying Plan B is legal in all states – but this might change.
Women’s reproductive rights have been in the news recently, and some court decisions caused concern. Some are worried that the sale of emergency contraceptives might fall victim to the aftermath of Roe vs. Wade.
Each state has the right to decide whether abortion and selling products like Plan B are legal within their boundaries. Some states, with Idaho as an example, have already considered making Plan B and similar products illegal or restricting access to them.
So far, no changes have been made, but more conservative states might make unpopular decisions in the near future.
Can I Take Plan B Twice In A Month?
You can use Plan B as often as you need – but there’s one caveat: it loses its effectiveness over time. If you constantly use Plan B, you’re almost as likely to become pregnant as a woman who does not use any protection.
The manufacturer states:
“Plan B ®should only be used in emergencies, but there is no medical reason why you can’t use it more than once. Don’t be afraid to use Plan B ® when you need to, but remember that it should never replace routine methods of contraception as it simply isn’t as effective.”
For more information, you can also visit Plan B’s website.
Can Plan B Cause Cramps?
Yes, Plan B can cause cramping, depending on where in your menstrual cycle you are. Cramping, just like before your normal period, is a common side effect listed on the drug’s leaflet.
If you feel any cramping that is unusual or a lot stronger than what you usually experience, you need to see a doctor ASAP.
Final Thoughts
While Plan B is a fairly effective method of preventing unwanted pregnancies, you should only use it in real emergencies. It should never take the place of other contraceptives.
The manufacturer recommends that you talk to a doctor to find a suitable primary contraceptive method if you use Plan B regularly. While it is safe to do so, it will, over time, become less effective.