Morning After Pill Hits Drugstores for First Time

Barr Pharmaceuticals, maker of Plan B or so-called morning after pill, is shipping its product to drugstores this week for the first time.

The Plan B pills, which prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours after sex – will be available without a prescription to both, men and women 18 and older beginning this week, the New York Daily News reported. Women under 18 will need a prescription.

Plan B’s over-the-counter version is identical to the two-pill prescription formula that has been available since 1999, except for the labeling, said Bill Scheer, chairman of the Pharamcists Society of New York.

Barr Pharmaceuticals received government approval on Aug. 24 to sell the over-the-counter version pill after a long political debate where opponents claimed it would promote promiscuity or lead to more unprotected sex among young people.

Barr said Pharmacies have the option not to sell Plan B, but in New York City, for instance, those that don’t must display a sign saying they don’t carry the drug, Scheer said.

Plan B is expected to cost about $30 to $40.