According to FDA spokeswoman Rita Chappelle, the court has given the FDA 30 days to allow nonprescription use of Plan B for 17-year-olds whereas the 2006 decision had allowed for behind-the-counter sales to only those age 18 and older who show proof of age. Girls under the age of 18 were required to obtain a prescription for the drug. The FDA has received the court's opinion, and is currently reviewing it.In 2003, Barr Pharmaceuticals, manufacturer of Plan B, asked the FDA to allow the drug to be sold without a prescription and to have no age requirements for its access. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd recently acquired the company and Denise Bradley, a spokeswoman for Teva, remarked, “While we did not file the Citizens' Petition, the company believes that timely access to Plan B is extremely important, as the sooner Plan B is taken the more effective it is. We will work closely with the FDA to ensure that all provisions of this decision are met.” Company officials as well as advocates believe that it is critical to offer easy access of Plan B to young women for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies.
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