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Morning after pill treatments and information

Request the morning after pill if you need emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. Take the prescribed pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Available for same-day collection.

Request the morning after pill if you need emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. Take the prescribed pill as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Available for same-day collection.

Request emergency contraception View treatment options

About emergency contraception

  • What is the morning after pill?

    The morning after pill is a pill taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It can be taken if you forget to use protection (such as a condom), or if your contraception fails. Both types of morning after pill (Levonorgestrel and ellaOne) work by stopping or delaying the release of an egg. 

  • How effective is the morning after pill?

    The sooner you take Levonorgestrel or ellaOne after sex, the more effective it will be. Both are only effective if taken prior to ovulation. Ovulation is triggered by rising levels of the luteinising hormone (LH). After levels of LH begin to rise, Levonorgestrel is not as effective. ellaOne has been shown to continue being effective later in the cycle.

    According to a 2017 review it is estimated that 1 to 2% of women who take ellaOne after unprotected sex will become pregnant. In comparison, it's estimated that 0.6 to 2.6% of women who take Levonogrestrel after unprotected sex will become pregnant.

  • How long after sex can you take the morning after pill?

    Levonorgestrel (sometimes known as the branded Levonelle) must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. 

    ellaOne must be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. Both pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

    Both Levonorgestrel and ellaOne can be taken more than once during your menstrual cycle.

  • How it works

    Levonorgestrel is a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone hormone. Levonorgestrel primarily works by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation). However, it also increases the thickness of the mucus around the cervix. This can help by creating a barrier that is difficult for sperm to pass through.      

    ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate, which changes the way your body responds to the hormone progesterone. Ulipristal is thought to work mainly by preventing or delaying ovulation, depending on which stage of the menstrual cycle you're at.

  • Can you get pregnant after taking the morning after pill?

    In a small number of cases, the morning after pill is not effective and some women will become pregnant. 

    The morning after pill should not be used as a form of regular contraception. If you have unprotected sex after taking the morning after pill you will not be protected from further pregnancies. 

  • How many times can you take the morning after pill?

    You can take the morning after pill more than once in a menstrual cycle. However, it’s important to remember it should not be used as a form of regular contraception. Find out more about contraception options. 

  • What if I vomit after taking the morning after pill?

    If you’re sick within 3 hours of taking the morning after pill you should contact your doctor. You will most likely need to take another morning after pill.

  • Taking a double dose of the morning after pill

    If you're prescribed Levonorgestrel as emergency contraception, you might be given two tablets instead of one. The standard Levonorgestrel dose is 1.5 milligrams. But some women might have to take a double dose (3mg Levonorgestrel) . This can be because of your weight (if you’re over 70kg), or if you’re taking certain medications. You can find out more here.  

  • Side effects

    As with all medicines, ellaOne and Levonorgestrel can cause some side effects. Neither medicine should affect your fertility in the long term.

    The most common side effects for ellaOne include changes in mood, tiredness, headache, nausea (feeling sick)/vomiting, dizziness, period pains, pelvic/back pain, breast tenderness and abdominal (tummy) pain.                    

    The most common side effects for Levonorgestrel include tiredness, headache, nausea (feeling sick), abdominal pain, and irregular bleeding.

  • Can I buy the morning after pill online?

    You can request and pay for emergency contraception online. Depending on the type you need, you may or may not need a prescription. However, you will always have to answer a series of questions before receiving the pill to make sure it is clinically suitable.

  • Our emergency contraception clinic

    Request treatment and complete your emergency contraception questionnaire. We will recommend the treatment that is safe and suitable for you. Available for discreet collection in-store only.

  • Where can I get the morning after pill for free?

    You can get the morning after pill for free from most GP surgeries, pharmacies or sexual health clinics. You can find your local sexual health clinic here.  

Read more

How our morning after pill service works

  1. Select a morning after pill and complete a questionnaire

    5 mins

  2. One of our clinicians confirms your suitability and notifies you by email

    About 30 mins (Mon-Sun 9am-5pm)

  3. Collect in store

    Same-day collection in LloydsPharmacy or selected Sainsbury's

Emergency contraception treatments

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Here are your recommended treatments based on your answers
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  • ellaOne

    The most effective morning after pill

    Take within 120hrs (5 days) of unprotected sex

    ellaOne - Morning after pill
    Strength
    Pack size

    *Our doctors will prescribe the most suitable morning after pill to you

    More information

  • Levonorgestrel (generic Levonelle)

    Can be taken within 72hrs (3 days) of unprotected sex

    Two tablets needed for women over 70kg or taking certain medications

    Levonorgestrel - Morning after pill
    Strength
    Pack size

    *Our doctors will prescribe the most suitable morning after pill to you

    More information
No matching treatments found

  • Doctor's emergency contraception advice

    Choosing whether the morning after pill is the right option for you can be a difficult process. It often depends on how recently you had unprotected sex. We will recommend the most suitable treatment for your circumstances.

    Once you have a prescription, we can answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, you can ask the pharmacist for advice in private when you go in-store to collect.

  • Morning after pill for future use

    If you want to avoid pregnancy and think there’s a chance you will have unprotected sex, you can buy the morning after pill for future use through our service.

    The most important thing is that you take emergency contraception as soon as possible after you have had unprotected sex. In this respect, ordering in advance and having the pill to hand when you need it can be very helpful. However, you should not rely on the morning after pill as a method of routine contraception.

    Find out more about the getting the morning after pill in advance here. 

  • Other forms of emergency contraception

    The most effective form of emergency contraception is the copper coil, also known as an intrauterine device (IUD). This can be fitted by a trained medical professional up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Once fitted, it can remain in place for several years as routine contraception.

    If you are thinking of opting for a coil, we recommend that you still take the morning after pill, just in case you can’t get a coil fitted in time.

  • Testing for STIs

    Emergency contraception does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have had sex without a condom you may have been exposed to an STI. Our confidential sexual health testing clinic provides advice, tests and treatments for a range of STIs, so you can put your mind at rest.

    Alternatively, you could visit your local sexual health clinic or arrange to see your GP.

ellaOne Levonelle (branded levonorgestrel Levonorgestrel Intrauterine device (IUD/Copper coil
Name ellaOne Levonelle (branded levonorgestrel) Levonorgestrel Intrauterine device (IUD/Copper coil)
Active ingredient Ulipristal Acetate Levonorgestrel Levonorgestrel Copper
How it works Stops or delays the release of an egg (ovulation) Stops or delays the release of an egg (ovulation) Stops or delays the release of an egg (ovulation) Releases copper which stops an egg implanting in your womb
When to take it Within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex Within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex Within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex Should be inserted within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex
Effectiveness 98-99% 97.4-99.4% 97.4-99.4% More than 99%
Who can use it Most women Most women.

Women taking certain medications, weighing 70kg+ or with a BMI of 26+ might be asked to take a double dose 		Most women.

Women weighing 70kg+ or with a BMI of 26+ might be asked to take a double dose 		Most women
Possibly not suitable for Women taking certain medications Women taking certain medications Women taking certain medications Women with:
  • unexplained bleeding between periods
  • womb or cervix problems
  • An untreated STI or pelvic infection
Price £33 We offer the generic version of Levonelle, Levonorgestrel.

It's £15.99 for a single dose, £24.99 for a double dose		 £15.99 for a single dose, £24.99 for a double dose Free on the NHS
Where to get it Online Doctor You can get the generic version of Levonelle, Levonorgestrel from Online Doctor Online Doctor Local sexual health clinic or GP surgery
Protection against STIs No No No No
Protection against pregnancy in the future No No No Protection from pregnancy for 5-10 years (depending on the type)
ellaOne Levonelle (branded levonorgestrel Levonorgestrel Intrauterine device (IUD/Copper coil
Name ellaOne Levonelle (branded levonorgestrel) Levonorgestrel Intrauterine device (IUD/Copper coil)
Active ingredient Ulipristal Acetate Levonorgestrel Levonorgestrel Copper
How it works Stops or delays the release of an egg (ovulation) Stops or delays the release of an egg (ovulation) Stops or delays the release of an egg (ovulation) Releases copper which stops an egg implanting in your womb
When to take it: Within 5 days (120 hours) of having unprotected sex Within 3 days (72 hours) of having unprotected sex Within 3 days (72 hours) of having unprotected sex Should be inserted within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex
Effectiveness 98-99% 97.4-99.4% 97.4-99.4% More than 99%
Who can use it Most women Most women.

Women taking certain medications, weighing 70kg+ or with a BMI of 26+ might be asked to take a double dose 		Most women.

Women weighing 70kg+ or with a BMI of 26+ might be asked to take a double dose 		Most women
Possibly not suitable for Women taking certain medications Women taking certain medications Women taking certain medications Women with:
  • unexplained bleeding between periods
  • womb or cervix problems
  • An untreated STI or pelvic infection
Price £33 We offer the generic version of Levonelle, Levonorgestrel. It's £15.99 for a single dose, £24.99 for a double dose £15.99 for a single dose, £24.99 for a double dose Free on the NHS
Where to get it Online Doctor You can get the generic version of Levonelle, Levonorgestrel from Online Doctor Online Doctor Local sexual health clinic or GP surgery
Protection against STIs No No No No
Protection against pregnancy in the future No No No Protection from pregnancy for 5-10 years (depending on the type)

Delivery & collection information

  • Same-day collection

    Free

    Order before 4pm Monday-Friday to collect in pharmacy the same day. Collect from one of our 1,500 LloydsPharmacy stores, including selected Sainsbury's.

    Face coverings
    If you're visiting a pharmacy we politely ask you to wear a face covering and not to book an appointment or come into store if you, or anyone in your household have symptoms of COVID-19. 

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      Meet our clinical team

      Based in our London office, our doctors and independent pharmacists have years of experience caring for patients in NHS hospitals, GP surgeries or in community pharmacies. Any one of the team may provide you with advice, your prescription or aftercare via private message.

      Meet the whole team
      • Dr Kieran Seyan - Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

        Dr Kieran Seyan

        GMC: 6104204

      • Dr Gigi Taguri - Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

        Dr Gigi Taguri

        GMC: 6129350

      • Dr Anup Jethwa - Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

        Dr Anup Jethwa

        GMC: 7138282

      • Dr Mitra Dutt- Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

        Dr Mitra Dutt

        GMC: 6077868

      Meet the whole team

      Authors and editors

      • Reviewed and updated by

        Dr Sameer Sanghvi
        GMC number: 7085078
        Date updated: 21st Aug 2020

      References

      Customer services

      Online Doctor 020 7989 9888
      Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
      Sat: 9am-1pm

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