How to stop taking Plan B

Discontinuing Plan B (Levonorgestrel) is, for most people, safe and uneventful. For a few medications and indications, abrupt stopping can cause rebound symptoms, withdrawal-like effects or loss of disease control, so a tapered stop is preferred. Whether Plan B at 1.5mg needs a taper depends on the active ingredient and the duration of use.

When to taper Plan B

Tapering is generally preferred when Plan B has been used continuously for months and the active ingredient Levonorgestrel produces neuroadaptive changes that take time to reverse. Plan B's primary mechanism is delaying or preventing ovulation when taken before the LH surge. For event-driven use, no taper is needed — simply stopping is appropriate. The prescriber decides the schedule based on the indication and dose.

What to expect when stopping

After stopping Plan B at 1.5mg, the underlying condition may return as the medication washes out — this is loss of treatment effect, not withdrawal in the strict sense. Some active ingredients also produce specific discontinuation syndromes, which a tapered stop minimises. Persistent or severe symptoms after stopping deserve medical review.

Frequently asked questions

Can I just stop taking Plan B? ▾

For event-driven use of Plan B at 1.5mg, yes — simply stopping is fine. For chronic continuous use, abrupt stopping can be appropriate for some active ingredients and inadvisable for others. Confirm with the prescriber before stopping.

Will I have withdrawal from Plan B? ▾

True withdrawal is uncommon with most Hormones and Birth Control agents. What is sometimes mistaken for withdrawal is the return of the underlying condition. The prescribing information for Levonorgestrel lists any documented discontinuation effects to expect.

More on Plan B

The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.