Wellness Kiosk

Our kiosk in SCE can be found on the first floor near the bowling alley. If entering from the Halsted St. side, take a left; you’ll see it in the main concourse area.

Our kiosk in SCW can be found at the east end of the Polk St. exit. You’ll see it located across from the Farmer’s Fridge Machine.

What is Levonorgestrel 1.5mg?

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg is the generic version of the, perhaps more familiar, Plan B One-Step or MyWay. The package contains a single pill containing 1.5 grams of Levonorgestrel, which is a hormone found in many birth control pills. The pill works as emergency contraception (EC) by delaying ovulation, making it less likely for sperm to fertilize an egg. In other words, it works to stop a pregnancy before it starts.

Using Levonorgestrel will not affect fertility or the ability to get pregnant in the future. It is also not an abortion pill for a current pregnancy.

When should I use Levonorgestrel 1.5mg?

Levonorgestrel should be used as a backup contraceptive method in specific situations such as a condom breaking or slipping off during intercourse, after unprotected sex, if you have been a victim of sexual assault, or if you missed a dose of your regular birth control pill and had sex.

Levonorgestrel should not be utilized in place of regular contraceptives. If you are having sex regularly and want to prevent pregnancy, be sure to speak to your doctor about longer-term methods of birth control that would be best for you.

Taking Levonorgestrel 1.5mg

Please check to make sure that the emergency contraception is sold in its original labeled packaging, with no evidence of being broken or tampered with. Prior to use, please confirm that the contraception is not expired by checking the expiration date listed on the packaging; if expired, do not use.

You should take the Levonorgestrel 1.5mg pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours (3 days). It is more effective the sooner you take it, so don’t delay. You should abstain from having sex for 7 days. If having sex during that time, you should use a barrier method (e.g., male condom).

Levonorgestrel may not work as well if your body mass index (BMI) is over 25 or over 155lbs. If your BMI is over 25, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider, as they can prescribe a different and more effective type of emergency contraception called Ulipristal (ella®).

Side Effects

Common side effects of taking Levonorgestrel 1.5mg may include nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache and changes in your menstrual cycle. Side effects are generally mild and temporary, though many people won’t experience any symptoms.

If you vomit within 3 hours from when you took the Levonorgestrel 1.5mg pill, contact your doctor.

Not a Regular Contraceptive Method:

Remember, Levonorgestrel and other forms of EC are not intended for regular or daily use in place of regular birth control or contraceptive. Repeatedly utilizing EC is not effective; it should be used sparingly when other forms of contraception fail or are not used.

When to Seek Medical Advice?

If you do not have a period within 3 weeks of taking the Levonorgestrel, you should take a pregnancy test. If pregnant, you should contact your doctor.

If you experience severe side effects or if you are concerned about the effectiveness of Levonorgestrel, consult a healthcare professional, or visit a local clinic for guidance and additional contraceptive options. The University Village Pharmacy can answer any questions you may have. The pharmacists are available for consultation. The pharmacy is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

University Village Pharmacy

722 W. Maxwell St.

Chicago, IL, 60607

Phone: (312) 355-2345

UIC students and employees may also seek consultation from healthcare professionals at the Specialty Care Building Pharmacy on West Campus. The pharmacy is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and also on Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

Specialty Care Building, Suite 1025

1009 S. Wood St.

Chicago, IL, 60612

Phone: (312) 996-6540

How to use condoms:

Immediately after ejaculation, hold the bottom of the condom so that it cannot slip off. Carefully withdraw the penis, remove the condom, and throw it in the trash.

If you feel the condom break at any point before or during intercourse, immediately stop, remove the condom, and put a new one on. If the condom breaks, pregnancy can be prevented using emergency contraception, such as Plan B; however, Plan B does not protect against STIs.

Important information to remember:

• Make sure to check the expiration date on the package. If it is expired, do not use.
• Condoms cannot completely protect you and your partner from some STIs like herpes, syphilis, and human papilloma virus (HPV). Latex condoms best help protect against HIV.
• Keep condoms in a cool dry place until ready for use, such as a nightstand or spacious backpack pocket. Condoms should be kept in places that can get hot like a car or wallet.
• Using water-based lubricants (“lube”) during intercourse can help prevent the condom from tearing. Oil-based lubricants should not be used because they can cause a condom to break.
• Do not use two condoms at once.
• Change condoms after every use.

What is acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen, which is also called paracetamol in other countries, is a common over-the-counter drug. Most people are familiar with acetaminophen as it is the main active ingredient in TYLENOL. Acetaminophen is used to relieve mild to moderate pain (e.g., headaches, backaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps) and temporarily reduce fever.

Acetaminophen is not an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like Ibuprofen or Aspirin. This means that it can be used by people with a history of stomach problems, with kidney disease, on aspirin heart therapy, and those aged 60 and older.

How to use acetaminophen?

Each pill of acetaminophen in our wellness kiosks current contains 325mg of acetaminophen. Children aged 12 and older and adults should take 1 tablet every 4-6 hours while symptoms last. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor.

Hundreds of different medications (prescription and over-the-counter) contain acetaminophen. You should not take acetaminophen if you are already using another product which contains acetaminophen as it can lead to overdose and severe liver damage.

Ask a medical professional or one of our pharmacists at the University Village Pharmacy if you are unsure or have a question related to using acetaminophen. You can also contact the FDA’s Drug Information Pharmacists by email at druginfo@fda.hhs.gov or by calling 1-855-543-3784 and 1-301-796-3400.

If you have or have ever had liver disease, are pregnant or breast feeding, or take blood thinners, make sure you talk to your doctor before using acetaminophen.

What are some potential side effects of using acetaminophen?

If you experience unusual symptoms while taking acetaminophen, call your primary care provider. You should immediately stop taking acetaminophen and seek prompt medical attention if you experience the following:

• Red, peeling or blistering skin
• Rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Important information and warnings:

Liver Damage: Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage, sometimes serious enough to require liver transplantation or cause death. You might accidentally take too much acetaminophen if you do not follow the directions on the prescription or package label carefully, or if you take more than one product that contains acetaminophen.

DO NOT take acetaminophen if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks every day or if you are allergic.

There are a number of drugs that when taken in combination with ibuprofen may cause dangerous drug-drug interactions. If you take regular medication, supplements, or other over the counter drugs, it is important for you to speak with your primary care provider or Pharmacist before taking ibuprofen.

What is ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is an active ingredient found commonly in over-the-counter pain relief medications like Advil and Motrin. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce inflammation and temporarily reduce common cold symptoms including (but not limited to) fever and body aches.

How do I take ibuprofen?

Each pill of ibuprofen in our wellness kiosk contains 200mg of ibuprofen. To relieve pain symptoms and/or fever, take one tablet every four to six hours as symptoms persist. If taking one tablet does not relieve symptoms, you can take two tablets for relief. Do not take more than six tablets within 24 hours unless directed to do so by your medical provider.

Ibuprofen does not generally need to be taken with food or drink, but if you experience an upset stomach or pain, take future doses with food or milk.

Who can take ibuprofen?

It is safe for most adults and children 12 years and older to take ibuprofen. Children under 12 years should seek guidance from a medical provider.

Individuals over 60 years old, those who take blood thinners or steroid drugs, and those with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding should consult with their medical provider as severe stomach bleeding may occur.

When to contact a doctor

Stop taking ibuprofen and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

• changes to your vision.
• shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, or feeling light-headed.
• bloody stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
• dark urine.
• painful or difficult urination.
• skin rashes.

Important Information and Warnings:

Individuals with an aspirin allergy should avoid using ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen should not be taken before or after heart surgery.

Anyone with high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, or asthma should consult with their primary care provider prior to use. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should also seek guidance from a healthcare provider prior to use.

This link provides information about medications that may have interactions with Ibuprofen. However, we encourage you to speak with your doctor or call our pharmacists at the University Village Pharmacy or the Specialty Care Building Pharmacy.

University Village Pharmacy

722 W. Maxwell St.

Chicago, IL, 60607

Phone: (312) 355-2345

Hours of Operation: M-F, 9am-5pm

Specialty Care Building, Suite 1025

1009 S. Wood St.

Chicago, IL, 60612

Phone: (312) 996-6540

Hours of Operation: M-F, 9am-5pm and Sa 9am to 1pm.

Levonorgestrel 1.5mg is the generic version of the perhaps more familiar Plan B One-Step®, Next Choice One Dose®, and My Way®. These can be purchased at pharmacies and grocery stores without a prescription; however, you can only get ella® with a prescription. The price of EC at pharmacies and grocery stores will vary by product; however, some can be covered by your insurance carrier.

• If you have Medicaid insurance, you can access most EC products for free. Just walk up to the pharmacist and request that your EC is covered by Medicaid. ella® can be covered too but you’ll still need a prescription.
• If you have private insurance, EC will be free under most More information can be found in this resource by Bedsider; however, check your plan’s certificate of coverage or call your insurance carrier to verify what is covered under your plan.
  • More information about Aetna
  • More information about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
  • More information about HealthLink OAP

More information about local government health plans (e.g., local consumer driven health plans, local care health plan, and various OAP plans)

• External condoms (aka male condoms) are available for free at the UIC Wellness Center and at the Women’s Leadership and Resource Center.
• Internal condoms (aka female condoms) are available for students at no cost at the University Village Pharmacy (east campus) and Specialty Care Building Pharmacy (west campus).
• Condoms are also often available at clinics and health departments.

Ibuprofen is available for students at no cost at the University Village Pharmacy (east campus) and Specialty Care Building Pharmacy (west campus)

A number of additional products are available for students at no cost at the University Village Pharmacy (east campus) and Specialty Care Building Pharmacy (west campus) including:

• refills for birth control.
• certain contraceptives just as the topical patch, vaginal ring, injections, and diaphragm.
• anti-infectives for certain STDs.

Contact our pharmacists at the University Village Pharmacy (312-355-2345) or the Specialty Care Building Pharmacy (312-996-6540) to learn more or visit their UIC Student Services webpage and select “Student Health Formulary”.

We recognize that students may hesitate to reach out to crisis services because they are unsure of what to expect.

Depending on the situation, you have a few options.

Mental Health

This resource from the UIC Counseling Center explains common questions that students may have including what to expect when calling and confidentiality concerns. The webpage also lists resources for LGBTQ, BIPOC, and Veteran crisis resources among others.

National Suicide Hotline – Call 988

Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741

Gender-Based Violence

If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can call:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233), text “Start” to 88788, or chat online at any time.
• Illinois Domestic Violence Help Line at 877-863-6338 (or 1-877-863-6339 TTY) at any time.
• The Network/La Red at 617-742-4911 for a specialist in domestic abuse among LGBTQ relationships.
• Strong Hearts Native Helpline at 844-762-8483 for 24/7 confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaskan Natives.
• UIC Police at 312-355-5555 if you are in immediate danger.

If you are experiencing sexual assault, discrimination, or harassment:

• Chicago’s  YWCA  offers a 24/7 Rape Crisis Hotline for those who have been affected by sexual assault. You can call them at 888-293-2080 (Chicago Metro Area), 630-971-3927 (DuPage County), or  708-748-5672 (South Suburbs).
• The National Sexual Assault hotline is available 24/7. You can call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or reach out via online chat or their app.
• UIC’s Wellness Center and Counseling Center also offer a resource guide for students who have experienced sexual harassment, discrimination, or assault.

• The Campus Advocacy Network, in the Women’s Leadership and Resource Center, provides free and confidential advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence (including sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, harassment, and stalking) and supports students, faculty, and staff who feel unsafe. Advocates can help you develop a safety plan, and process what you are going through, provide information about your rights and options, and connect you with resources. Depending on what you need, they can also accompany you through the reporting process or assist you in requesting academic or workplace accommodations.
  • You can contact CAN by using the form on this page and an advocate will respond within 24 hours.
  • During business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm), you can call CAN at 312-413-8206 or use one of the crisis services, above.
  • Visit the FAQ for Students page to learn more about CAN’s advocacy services.

• The Counseling Center can support you any time 24/7 at 312-996-3490. If during business hours, let the receptionist know you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If calling after hours, please select option 2 on the automated menu.
  • Mental health crises can include but are not limited to you feeling unsafe, having recently experienced any type of violence, have feelings of self-harm or harming others.

• The Women’s Leadership and Resource Center highlights numerous 24-hour hotlines and resources in the community for survivors of interpersonal violence which can assist with shelter, legal assistance, medical assistance, and counseling among others.