Plan B in Brazil: prescription, pharmacy and pricing
Plan B (Levonorgestrel) is available in Brazil under the regulatory framework of ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária). This page summarises how the medication is prescribed and dispensed locally, what insurance or the public system cover, and which options exist for legally and safely accessing Plan B 1.5mg.
- Regulator
- ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
- Currency
- BRL
- Active ingredients
- Levonorgestrel
- Available dosages
- 1.5mg
Prescription status in Brazil
Brazil uses tarja vermelha (red stripe — prescription only) and tarja preta (black stripe — controlled) labels for prescription medication. Many other medications are free-sale at pharmacies. Plan B contains the active ingredient Levonorgestrel, in the Hormones and Birth Control class, and its classification in Brazil follows the standard rules of ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária).
Pharmacy dispensing
Brazilian farmácias and drogarias range from major chains (Drogasil, Pacheco, RaiaDrogasil) to small independents. Pharmacist counsel is common but less central than in Europe. The pharmacist is the most reliable local source of information on stock, authorised substitutions (generic vs brand) and specific precautions for Plan B at the available strengths (1.5mg).
Online and tele-prescribing access
Online pharmacy is well-developed in Brazil through chain platforms; ANVISA-licensed channels handle Rx medication with verified prescriptions, while informal online sales of Rx are illegal but exist. Buying Plan B from unauthorised sellers or without local verification exposes the user to counterfeit medication and unmonitored use of Levonorgestrel.
When Plan B is prescribed
Plan B is indicated for emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse or known/suspected contraceptive failure, in women of reproductive age.
Pricing and availability in BRL
Retail pricing in Brazil depends on the strength (1.5mg), whether the original brand or an authorised generic is dispensed, and insurance or public-system coverage. The difference between brand and generic is usually the most meaningful economic lever for ongoing use. Comparing prices at two or more locally authorised pharmacies before first refill is recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription for Plan B in Brazil? ▾
Brazil uses tarja vermelha (red stripe — prescription only) and tarja preta (black stripe — controlled) labels for prescription medication. Many other medications are free-sale at pharmacies. In practice, Plan B follows the status of its active ingredient Levonorgestrel in the regulatory system of ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária).
Is generic Plan B available in Brazil? ▾
Authorised generics of Levonorgestrel are typically available in Brazil at a lower cost than branded Plan B, with bioequivalence required by ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária). Substitution is handled by the pharmacist under local equivalence rules.
How much does Plan B cost in BRL? ▾
Prices in BRL vary by pharmacy and by strength (1.5mg). Authorised generics of Levonorgestrel are usually substantially cheaper than the brand and are the typical economic reference point for ongoing use in Brazil.
Plan B 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)
- ArgentinaANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica)
- GermanyBfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte)
- FranceANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé)
- ItalyAIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco)
- CanadaHealth Canada
- South KoreaMFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety)
- JapanPMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency)
- AustriaBASG (Federal Office for Safety in Health Care)
- SwitzerlandSwissmedic (Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products)
- AustraliaTGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration)
- ColombiaInvima (National Food and Drug Surveillance Institute)
- ChileISP (Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Public Health Institute)
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.