Plan B vs Levonorgestrel: are they the same?
Plan B is a commercial brand whose active ingredient is exactly Levonorgestrel. This page explains what that means in practice: where they differ (brand, manufacturer, price, available strengths), why they are clinically equivalent, and when the brand or an authorised generic is the better choice.
Are they the same?
Yes — Plan B contains Levonorgestrel as its active ingredient. Talking about "Plan B" in clinical terms is the same as talking about Levonorgestrel at the dose strengths 1.5mg. The differences from the authorised generic are brand, manufacturer (Foundation Consumer Healthcare), excipients, tablet appearance and price — not the active molecule itself.
When Plan B is used
Plan B ist zur Notfallkontrazeption nach ungeschütztem Geschlechtsverkehr oder bekanntem/vermutetem Verhütungsversagen bei Frauen im gebärfähigen Alter indiziert.
Mechanisms compared
Because they share the same active ingredient, the mechanism is identical: Der primäre Wirkmechanismus von Plan B ist die Verzögerung oder Verhinderung des Eisprungs, wenn es vor dem LH-Anstieg eingenommen wird.
Brand or generic — which to choose?
For most patients, authorised generics of Levonorgestrel are clinically equivalent substitutes for Plan B and typically cost substantially less. The practical differences are manufacturer, excipients (rarely matters except in specific sensitivities), tablet appearance and price. The brand is preferred by some patients for personal reasons or insurance coverage; the generic is the default when cost matters.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Is Plan B the same as Levonorgestrel? ▾
Clinically yes — Plan B is the brand and Levonorgestrel is its active ingredient. At equivalent doses (1.5mg) they produce the same effect. The difference is brand, manufacturer (Foundation Consumer Healthcare) and price.
Is generic Levonorgestrel as effective as Plan B? ▾
Yes. Authorised generics of Levonorgestrel must demonstrate bioequivalence to the brand. The active substance is the same; average effect is the same. Price is usually substantially lower.
Why does Plan B cost more than generic Levonorgestrel? ▾
The price difference reflects originator development costs, brand recognition and competition among generic manufacturers. The molecule is identical; the cost is not.
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