Emergency Hormonal Contraception
We offer a private consultation room/area for all conversations which you may find embarrassing or awkward.
Emergency hormonal contraception, also known as the 'morning after pill', is available free of charge from our pharmacy to all women under 25 years through our NHS local services. For women who are not eligible for the free service we offer the same products to buy.
The morning after pill can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after having unprotected sex. However it is recommended to take the pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It is at its most effective if taken within 24 hours.
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your contraception has failed. This includes if a condom has split or you have missed a pill.
Find out more about emergency hormonal contraception
We provide levonorgestrel which is effective for up to 72 hours (3 days) after having unprotected sex. We can also offer ulipristal which can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after having unprotected sex.
If you wish to access this service, you will have a consultation with one of our pharmacists, who will supply the most appropriate medication for you.
Please contact us as soon as possible because emergency hormonal contraception is more effective the sooner you take it.
Most women can use the emergency contraceptive pill. This includes women who can't use hormonal contraception. Girls under 16 years old can also use it and access this service. Girls under 13 years would need to consult their GP.
You may not be able to take the emergency contraceptive pill if you're allergic to anything it contains, have severe asthma or take any medicines that may interact with it, e.g.:
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the herbal medicine St John's Wort
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some medicines used to treat epilepsy, HIV or tuberculosis (TB)
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medicine to make your stomach less acidic, such as omeprazole
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some less commonly used antibiotics (rifampicin and rifabutin)
Your pharmacist will be able to advise on whether emergency hormonal contraception is suitable for you.
What other options if I had unprotected sex more than 5 days ago?
If you have had unprotected sex more than 120 hours ago (i.e. 5 days) we are unable to provide you with hormonal contraception services.
In this case, please contact your GP or local sexual health service as soon as possible to discuss your options.
You can find your nearest sexual health clinic here.
There is the option of being fitted with an Interuterine Device (IUD), often known as the "coil". This is the most effective form of emergency contraception.
I have forgotten to take one of my contraceptive pills. Do I need the morning after pill?
It is not always necessary to use emergency hormonal contraception if you miss a contraceptive pill, patch or ring. Your next steps will depend on the type of contraception you use, how many pills you have missed and what stage of your monthly cycle you are at.
We recommend that you read the Patient Information Leaflet provided with your contraception.
You can also call one of our pharmacists to discuss whether you may require emergency contraception.
I am experiencing vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Do I need the morning after pill?
It is not always necessary to use the morning after pill if you experience vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
Various factors, including the time you experienced vomiting/diarrhoea, how long the vomiting/diarrhoea lasted and its severity will help determine your next steps.
We recommend that you read the Patient Information Leaflet provided with your contraception for guidance.
If you are concerned about this, you can discuss this with one of our pharmacists.
I have vomited after taking my emergency hormonal contraception. What should I do?
If you vomited within 3 hours of taking your levonorgestel or ulipristal, you will need to come to our pharmacy for a second dose.