The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved emergency contraceptives as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) option for females aged 17 and older. The Department of Health Services (DHS) does not require females aged 17 and older to have a prescription from their Prescribing Provider to purchase emergency contraceptives OTCs. Females under the age of 17 must have a prescription from their Prescribing Provider for emergency contraceptives.

Emergency contraceptives OTC products include: 

• Plan B®, Next Choice®, and Ella® 
• Excludes: Family Planning OTC items such as condoms, spermicide, diaphragms or cervical caps.