Does Dollar General Sell Plan B in 2024? (The Complete Guide)
Emergency contraception can be a crucial option after unprotected sex or birth control failure. An estimated 44% of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unintended, so products like Plan B are an important fallback. But does the popular discount retailer Dollar General offer emergency contraceptive pills for purchase?
Unfortunately, Dollar General does not sell Plan B or generic versions in their over 18,000 stores across the U.S. or on their website as of 2023. With many in rural and suburban areas relying on Dollar General for convenience and discounts, this gap in reproductive healthcare options is significant.
What Is Plan B and How Does It Work?
Plan B is an emergency contraception pill taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex or contraception failure to prevent pregnancy. The key active ingredient is 1.5 mg of levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin hormone.
Plan B works by:
- Delaying or preventing ovulation
- Altering cervical mucus to prevent fertilization
- Disrupting implantation of a fertilized egg
When taken as directed within 3 days, Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy by 75-89%. The sooner it‘s taken, the more effective it is.
Why Doesn‘t Dollar General Sell Plan B?
Dollar General has not provided an official reason for not selling Plan B or other emergency contraceptives.
A few potential factors:
Profit margins: At around $40-50 per dose, Plan B may have a lower profit margin than Dollar General‘s typical lower-cost merchandise.
Logistics: Additional pharmacy licensing and inventory management protocols may be required for stocking emergency contraception.
Customer expectations: Dollar General shoppers may not view it as a destination for healthcare products.
Social factors: Dollar General may have opted out due to controversy around emergency contraception access.
Regardless of rationale, the lack of availability at Dollar General puts access barriers on those relying on its stores for convenience and discounted prices. Approximately 75% of the U.S. population lives within 5 miles of a Dollar General.
Where You Can Buy Plan B in 2024
For those seeking emergency contraception, Plan B and its generic forms remain available through:
Drugstores
National chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid stock Plan B on store shelves without prescription or age requirements. It can typically be found in family planning sections.
Big Box Retailers
Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco also carry Plan B. Look for branded or generic versions in pharmacy sections.
Online Ordering
Websites like Amazon, Instacart, Walmart, and more offer home delivery of Plan B, often within 1-2 days. Certain services may require ID upon delivery.
Health Clinics
Facilities like Planned Parenthood offer Plan B for free or at reduced cost, along with counseling on options.
Pharmacies
Many local pharmacies sell Plan B over the counter and may offer generic alternatives for 10-20% less.
Plan B Availability
| Retailer | In-Store | Online Order | Generic Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Walgreens | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon | No | Yes | Yes |
| Target | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cost and Coverage of Plan B
The cost of Plan B ranges from $40-50 for name brand and $35-45 for generic forms. Options to help subsidize:
Insurance – Some plans cover all or part of Plan B with a prescription
FSA/HSA – Can be purchased pre-tax with medical spending accounts
Coupons – Websites like GoodRx offer discounts on Plan B
Clinics – May offer Plan B at no or reduced cost based on income
Without coverage, the upfront cost can be prohibitive. Advocacy groups are working to improve access and affordability.
Taking Plan B Effectively
Plan B works best when taken as early as possible after unprotected sex – and always within 72 hours.
Key tips:
Take Plan B as a single 1.5 mg levonorgestrel dose as soon as possible.
If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking Plan B, another dose is needed.
Schedule a follow up appointment to confirm Plan B worked or explore other contraceptive options.
Use condoms or abstain from sex for remaining cycle as ovulation may still occur.
Watch for potential side effects like nausea, dizziness, headaches, cramping.
Alternative Emergency Contraceptives
If unable to find Plan B, there are other over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pills including:
- Next Choice One Dose
- My Way
- AfterPill
- Take Action
These all contain the same 1.5 mg levonorgestrel dosage as Plan B and can be used in the same exact way. Be sure to take as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
No Age Limits for Purchase
There are no age requirements associated with purchasing Plan B, despite lingering misunderstandings.
The FDA approved over-the-counter access to levonorgestrel emergency contraception for those of any reproductive age. You do not need to show ID or have a prescription to buy Plan B, regardless of age.
The Bottom Line
While Plan B is not sold at Dollar General stores or online, alternatives remain available. With the importance of access to emergency contraception, be sure to utilize pharmacies, retailers, clinics, or online ordering to promptly obtain Plan B if needed. Consult medical professionals on proper timing and usage.
