Emergency contraception — commonly known as the morning-after pill — is one of the most important services that community pharmacies provide. It is available without a prescription from pharmacies across England, Scotland, and Wales, and pharmacists are trained to supply it confidentially and without judgement.
Despite this, many people are unsure about how the service works, what it costs, whether they need to answer personal questions, and how quickly they need to act. This guide covers what you need to know.
Types of Emergency Contraception
There are two types of emergency contraceptive pill available from pharmacies in England:
| Pill | Active ingredient | Time window | How it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levonorgestrel (e.g. Levonelle) | Levonorgestrel 1.5mg | Up to 72 hours (3 days) | Delays or prevents ovulation |
| EllaOne | Ulipristal acetate 30mg | Up to 120 hours (5 days) | Delays or prevents ovulation, effective closer to ovulation |
Both pills work by delaying or preventing the release of an egg. Neither pill terminates a pregnancy — if a fertilised egg has already implanted, the pill will not affect it. The sooner the pill is taken after unprotected sex, the more effective it is.
A third option — the copper intrauterine device (IUD) — is the most effective form of emergency contraception and works up to five days after unprotected sex. However, it must be fitted by a trained clinician and is not available from pharmacies. The pharmacist can advise on where to access this service if preferred.
How to Access Emergency Contraception at a Pharmacy
Walk in — no appointment needed
You can visit any pharmacy and ask for emergency contraception. You do not need to book an appointment. Most pharmacies have a private consultation room where the conversation will take place.
What the pharmacist will ask
The pharmacist needs to check that the pill is clinically appropriate for you. They will ask:
- When unprotected sex occurred (to determine which pill is suitable)
- The date of your last period (to assess where you are in your cycle)
- Whether you are taking any other medications (some medicines, including certain epilepsy treatments and the herbal remedy St John's Wort, can reduce the pill's effectiveness)
- Whether you have any relevant allergies
These questions are clinical, not judgemental. The pharmacist is bound by the same confidentiality rules as any other healthcare professional.
Age and access
There is no minimum age for emergency contraception in England. Pharmacists are trained to supply it to anyone who needs it, including those under 16, provided they are assessed as competent to make the decision (using the Fraser guidelines). The consultation will be handled sensitively and confidentially.
Cost
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy purchase (Levonelle/generic) | £13–£35 depending on pharmacy and brand |
| Pharmacy purchase (EllaOne) | £25–£45 |
| Free via Pharmacy First / local commissioning | £0 (check with your local pharmacy) |
| Free from GP, sexual health clinic, or A&E | £0 |
Many pharmacies in England now supply emergency contraception free of charge under locally commissioned services or the NHS Pharmacy First programme. It is worth calling your local pharmacy to ask before attending, as availability of free supply varies by area and local NHS commissioning arrangements.
How Effective Is It?
Effectiveness depends on how quickly the pill is taken:
| Timeframe | Levonorgestrel effectiveness | EllaOne effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Within 12 hours | Up to 95% | Up to 98% |
| 12–24 hours | ~85% | Up to 98% |
| 24–48 hours | ~85% | ~95% |
| 48–72 hours | ~58% | ~95% |
| 72–120 hours | Not recommended | ~85% |
EllaOne remains effective closer to ovulation than levonorgestrel, which is why pharmacists may recommend it in certain situations — particularly if more than 24 hours have passed or if the timing in your cycle suggests ovulation is imminent.
Side Effects
Most people experience no significant side effects. Some may notice:
- Nausea (take the pill with food to reduce this)
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular bleeding before the next period
- The next period may be slightly early or late
If you vomit within two hours of taking levonorgestrel (or three hours for EllaOne), contact the pharmacy — you may need a replacement dose.
After Taking the Pill
- Your next period should arrive roughly on time, though it may be a few days early or late
- If your period is more than seven days late, take a pregnancy test
- The pill does not protect against future unprotected sex — consider starting regular contraception
- The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections — consider STI screening if relevant
The pharmacist can discuss ongoing contraception options during the consultation and refer you to a GP or sexual health clinic if you would like to start regular contraception.
Finding a Pharmacy
Almost all of England's 13,000+ community pharmacies stock emergency contraception. Use PharmSee's pharmacy finder to locate your nearest pharmacy, including late-night and weekend-opening pharmacies. The location tool can help you find pharmacies within walking distance of any English postcode.
Sources: Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) — Emergency Contraception guideline (2023 update); NHS.uk — Emergency contraception; NICE CKS — Contraception — emergency.