Plan B has a shelf life of four years from the date of manufacture. The expiration date is printed on the package, and after that date, the pill may be less effective or may not work at all.
Where to Find the Expiration Date
The expiration date is printed on the outer packaging of Plan B. If you’re keeping one on hand for emergencies, check this date periodically. A pill purchased today could expire anywhere from one to four years from now, depending on how long it sat in the supply chain before reaching you. The four-year clock starts at manufacturing, not at the time of purchase.
What Happens After It Expires
Plan B works by delivering a dose of a synthetic hormone that prevents or delays ovulation. Over time, the active ingredient in the tablet gradually breaks down. Stability testing by the World Health Organization found that the drug remains quite stable at room temperature over the long term, with only a slight increase in degradation products over time. But “slight” degradation in a time-sensitive emergency pill can matter. After the expiration date, there’s no reliable guarantee that enough active ingredient remains to prevent pregnancy.
An expired pill isn’t dangerous to take, but you can’t count on it working. If you only have an expired Plan B available, taking it is better than nothing, but getting a fresh one from a pharmacy is the more reliable option if time allows. Emergency contraception is most effective within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex, so speed matters on both fronts.
How Storage Affects Shelf Life
The four-year shelf life assumes proper storage. Plan B should be kept at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F, and away from direct sunlight and moisture. Storing it in a bathroom or kitchen, where heat and humidity fluctuate, can accelerate breakdown of the active ingredient. A nightstand drawer, a closet shelf, or a bedroom cabinet are all better choices.
If you’ve been carrying a Plan B pill in your car’s glove compartment through summer heat or left it in a bag exposed to temperature swings, the drug may have degraded faster than the printed date suggests. In those situations, treat the expiration date as optimistic rather than guaranteed.
Generic Versions Have the Same Shelf Life
Several generic versions of Plan B are available, including Take Action, My Way, Next Choice One Dose, and AfterPill. These all contain the same active ingredient at the same dose, and they carry the same four-year shelf life. The generics tend to cost less, which makes them a practical option if you want to keep a backup on hand without overpaying.
One exception worth noting: ella, a different type of emergency contraceptive that requires a prescription, expires after three years rather than four. It uses a different mechanism, so its shelf life isn’t directly comparable to Plan B or its generics.
Keeping a Backup on Hand
Because Plan B is available over the counter with no age restriction, many people buy one in advance so it’s ready if needed. If you do this, write the expiration date somewhere visible, like a phone reminder or a note on the box. Replace it before it expires. Store it in a cool, dry spot in its original packaging, which is designed to protect the tablet from light and moisture.
Generics like AfterPill can be ordered online for roughly $10 to $15, making it easy to replace an expiring pill without a significant cost. Having a fresh, properly stored pill available means you can take it quickly when timing matters most.