NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service

Levonorgestrel is licensed for use up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. It works best the sooner it is taken. It is generally the preferred option if you are already using regular hormonal contraception (such as the combined pill, mini-pill or hormonal implant) because it lets you continue your usual method without delay. The standard dose is 1.5 mg; a higher 3 mg dose may be advised if you weigh over 70 kg / BMI over 26, or are taking enzyme-inducing medicines. Suitability is always confirmed by the pharmacist.

EllaOne is licensed for use up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex and is generally more effective than levonorgestrel, especially close to ovulation (mid-cycle). It is usually preferred if more than 72 hours have passed, if you are near ovulation, or if you took levonorgestrel and then had further unprotected sex in the same cycle. EllaOne should not be used together with progestogen contraception in the 7 days before or 5 days after the dose, as it can reduce ellaOne's effectiveness — the pharmacist will advise.

Levonelle (levonorgestrel) and ellaOne (ulipristal) are both single-dose oral emergency contraceptives. Levonelle works up to 3 days after sex; ellaOne works up to 5 days. EllaOne is more effective if ovulation is close. Both work mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation — neither will end an existing pregnancy. The pharmacist chooses the most suitable one based on timing, your cycle, weight, and any medicines you are taking.

The copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception (over 99%) and can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after the earliest estimated date of ovulation. We do not fit IUDs at the pharmacy, but if it is the best option for you, we will explain it and direct you to a sexual health clinic or GP who can fit one quickly.

Yes. Levonorgestrel is considered safe in breastfeeding and you can continue feeding as normal. With ellaOne, current guidance is to avoid breastfeeding for one week after the dose and to express and discard milk during that time. The pharmacist will go through this with you.

It can. Levonorgestrel may be less effective at higher body weight, so a double dose (3 mg) is often recommended, or ellaOne may be preferred. The pharmacist will use the latest FSRH guidance and your individual circumstances to advise.

If you vomit within 3 hours of taking levonorgestrel or within 3 hours of taking ellaOne, the dose may not have been absorbed. Contact us as soon as possible — a repeat dose may be needed.

After levonorgestrel, you can usually start regular hormonal contraception (the pill, mini-pill, etc.) immediately, but you will need to use condoms or avoid sex until it becomes effective. After ellaOne, you need to wait 5 days before starting hormonal contraception, and use condoms or avoid sex for that time plus the time it takes the new method to become reliable. The pharmacist will explain the exact extra precautions window.

Yes — under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, our pharmacist can start you on a suitable combined or progestogen-only pill after a private consultation, including blood pressure and BMI checks and a brief health discussion. There is no charge.

Yes. The service also covers ongoing supply and switching between methods where clinically appropriate. We will check your blood pressure, BMI and any new health changes at each review, in line with the NHS service specification.

Yes. Consultations are in a private room with a GPhC-registered pharmacist and your information is kept confidential in line with NHS rules. People aged 16 and over can access the service in their own right. We can also see under-16s where they are judged to understand the treatment (Fraser/Gillick guidelines), and we will always encourage involving a parent, carer or trusted adult where appropriate.

No. Emergency contraception only reduces the chance of pregnancy. If there is any risk of a sexually transmitted infection, the pharmacist can advise on free local STI testing services.

Roughly: the copper IUD is over 99% effective. EllaOne and Levonelle are typically 84–98% effective depending on how soon they are taken and where you are in your cycle. None is 100% — if your next period is late, lighter or unusual, take a pregnancy test.

A short, private chat (usually 10–15 minutes) with the pharmacist covering: when unprotected sex happened, your usual contraception, relevant medicines and medical history, blood pressure and BMI if starting/continuing the pill, and which option is most suitable. The medicine is supplied straight away if appropriate, with written advice on what to do next.