What to do if Plan B is in shortage — for Argentina
Drug shortages happen periodically — manufacturing issues, supply chain disruptions, regulatory holds — and Plan B (Levonorgestrel) may become temporarily unavailable in some pharmacies or countries. For chronic users at 1.5mg, knowing how to handle a shortage prevents unnecessary treatment interruption.
Argentina context
Drug shortages in Argentina are tracked by ANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica) when significant. For Plan B, shortage of one strength or one manufacturer rarely means total unavailability of Levonorgestrel — authorised generics or alternative manufacturers usually fill the gap, with the pharmacist coordinating substitution and the prescriber confirming any formulation change at 1.5mg.
- Regulator
- ANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica)
- Currency
- ARS
How shortages work for Plan B
When Plan B is in shortage, the pharmacist usually has several options: dispense an authorised generic of Levonorgestrel, source from a different manufacturer of the same active ingredient, suggest a different formulation (e.g. liquid, dispersible) or, in extended shortages, ask the prescriber to consider an alternative Hormones and Birth Control agent. Plan B's primary mechanism is delaying or preventing ovulation when taken before the LH surge.
Practical steps
According to general pharmacy practice, the first step in a Plan B shortage is to ask the pharmacist about authorised generic availability — most shortages affect a single brand or strength, not the entire supply of Levonorgestrel at 1.5mg. The prescriber should be informed if the pharmacist needs to substitute or change formulation. Stockpiling or buying extra outside regulated channels is not the right response.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if my pharmacy doesn't have Plan B? ▾
Ask the pharmacist whether an authorised generic of Levonorgestrel is available — usually yes — or whether another pharmacy in the area has stock of Plan B at 1.5mg. The pharmacist can also contact the prescriber if a formulation switch is needed.
Will Plan B come back in stock? ▾
Most shortages are resolved within weeks to months as manufacturing or supply issues are fixed. Until then, the authorised generic of Levonorgestrel is the standard alternative and is clinically equivalent to Plan B at the same 1.5mg strength.
What to do if Plan B is in shortage in other countries
- the United StatesFDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- the United KingdomMHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
- SpainAEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios)
- MexicoCOFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios)
- GermanyBfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte)
- FranceANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé)
- ItalyAIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco)
- BrazilANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
- CanadaHealth Canada
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.