Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy
Quick answer: Yes. In the UK, you can get the morning after pill from a pharmacy — no GP prescription needed. Two options are widely available: levonorgestrel (e.g. Levonelle) and ulipristal acetate (ellaOne). You’ll need a short private consultation with the pharmacist first.
What Is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception (EC) lowers your risk of pregnancy after:
- Unprotected sex, or
- A contraceptive failure like a condom splitting, or a missed pill
Important:
- It’s not meant to replace your regular contraception.
- It does not end an existing pregnancy.
- It works by delaying or stopping ovulation, or by preventing fertilisation.
- It won’t work once implantation has already happened.
The Two Emergency Contraceptive Pills
Levonorgestrel (Levonelle, Upostelle, and generic brands)
- Works up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex
- The sooner you take it, the better it works
- Available over the counter at pharmacies after a quick consultation
- Sometimes free through NHS sexual health clinics or select pharmacies
Ulipristal Acetate (ellaOne)
- Works up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex
- Stays more effective than levonorgestrel later in that window
- Available over the counter after a consultation
- Not suitable if you take certain medicines (like some epilepsy drugs or rifampicin) — your pharmacist will check this
- Shouldn’t be combined with hormonal contraception without specific guidance
Which One Should I Take?
General rule: the sooner you take it, the more effective it is. Take whichever option you can access fastest.
- Within 72 hours → levonorgestrel works well
- Between 72–120 hours, or if your body weight is over roughly 70kg → ulipristal acetate may be the better choice (the evidence on weight is debated, but pharmacists factor it in)
Your pharmacist will ask a few quick questions to find the right option for you. This isn’t to judge you or slow things down it’s a safety requirement.
Important: After taking ellaOne, don’t start or restart hormonal contraception (pill, patch, ring, injection) for at least 5 days. Use condoms in the meantime.
What About the Copper IUD?
The copper IUD is the most effective emergency contraception option — reducing pregnancy risk by more than 99%.
- Can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after your estimated ovulation date
- Must be fitted by a trained professional at a sexual health clinic or GP surgery
- Pharmacies can’t fit this. If you want this option, contact your nearest NHS sexual health clinic urgently. Newdays Pharmacy can point you to local services.
Is It Free?
- Levonorgestrel may be free at NHS sexual health clinics, some GP practices, and select pharmacies under local NHS schemes. Availability varies by area.
- Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) is usually paid for privately at a pharmacy.
Newdays Pharmacy offers emergency contraception consultations at our branches in Eton (Windsor), Twyford, Reading (Coley Park), and Lane End. Contact your nearest branch for pricing.
Does It Protect Against STIs?
No. Emergency contraception only reduces pregnancy risk. It gives no protection against STIs. If you’re worried about STI risk after unprotected sex, contact your local sexual health service for testing advice.
Will It Affect My Regular Contraception?
If you took levonorgestrel:
- You can restart your regular hormonal contraception (pill, patch, ring) straight away.
- Use condoms as backup for the next 7 days (or 9 days if you’re on the progestogen-only pill).
If you took ulipristal acetate (ellaOne):
- Don’t start or restart hormonal contraception for at least 5 days.
- Use condoms during this time.
This article is for general information only. It’s not personal medical advice. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist.
Frequently Asked Questions
No appointment is necessary at most pharmacies, including Newdays Pharmacy. Simply visit and ask to speak with the pharmacist. A brief, confidential consultation will be conducted before supply.
A pharmacist may decline to supply emergency contraception if, after consultation, the medicine is not clinically appropriate for you, for example due to drug interactions or if the time window has passed. All conversations are confidential.
When taken within 24 hours, levonorgestrel is estimated to prevent approximately 95% of expected pregnancies. Effectiveness decreases over time to around 85% at 25 to 48 hours and 58% at 49 to 72 hours. Ulipristal acetate maintains higher effectiveness across the full 120-hour window.