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Today, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius decided not to allow stores to sell Plan B over the counter to kids under 17, because she wasn’t convinced the FDA had conclusively proved teens could safely take it without talking to a doctor. We decided to compare it to a few other medications children can legally obtain over the counter. Below, take a look at how Plan B stacks up against some extremely common remedies.

Plan B

Possible side effects: allergic reaction; ectopic pregnancy; nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain; breast pain or tenderness; dizziness, tired feeling; changes in menstrual periods; headache

Overdose effects: nausea, vomiting

Over-the-counter? 17 and older only

Tylenol

Possible side effects: allergic reaction

Overdose effects: possible liver failure and death

Over-the-counter? Yes

Advil

Possible side effects: allergic reaction; upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation; bloating, gas; dizziness, headache, nervousness; skin itching or rash; blurred vision; ringing in ears; chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; black, bloody, or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; swelling or rapid weight gain; urinating less than usual or not at all; nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or severe headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, and/or seizure (convulsions)

Overdose effects: stomach bleeding; difficulty breathing; coma

Over-the-counter? Yes

More at the link.