If your regular contraception has failed or you had unprotected sex in the last 5 days & worried about the risk of pregnancy, we are here to help If you need emergency contraception, known as the morning after pill.

 

 

What do we offer?

At Greywell Pharmacy we offer the emergency contraceptive pill both Levonelle & EllaOne morning after pill.

You need to take the emergency contraceptive pill within 3 days (Levonelle) or 5 days (ellaOne) of unprotected sex for it to be effective – the sooner you take it, the more effective it'll be.

 

It is important to understand, Levonelle and EllaOne don't continue to protect you against pregnancy – if you have unprotected sex at any time after taking the emergency pill, you can become pregnant.

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The sooner you take the morning after pill, the greater the chances

of avoiding pregnancy. 

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How the emergency pill works?

Levonelle

Levonelle contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic (man-made) version of the natural hormone progesterone produced by the ovaries, which stops or delay the release of an egg (ovulation). Levonelle has to be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of sex to prevent pregnancy.

 

EllaOne

EllaOne contains ulipristal acetate, which stops progesterone working normally. This also works by stopping or delaying the release of an egg. ellaOne has to be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of sex to prevent pregnancy.

 

 

Who can take the morning after pill?

Most women can use the emergency contraceptive pill, including women who can't use hormonal contraception, such as the combined pill and contraceptive patch.

If your 16 and over, our pharmacists will be able to offer you the morning after pill if it is suitable for you. If you under 16, we may still be able to offer you the morning after pill under an NHS scheme.

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Are there any side effects to the morning after pill?

Everyone may experience different side effects, such as:

 

• Dizziness and feeling tired

• Feeling sick, vomiting, lower stomach pain or diarrhoea

• Headache

• Unexpected bleeding not related to your monthly cycle

• changes to your next period – it can be earlier, later or more painful than usual

• Tender breasts

 

If you experience any difficulty in breathing or swelling of the face, neck, tongue or throat, you must seek medical attention immediately.

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How & when to take the morning after pill?

Levonelle has to be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. EllaOne has to be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex.

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Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask our pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. it is crucial to take the tablet as soon as possible after unprotected sex to ensure it is most effective take the tablet with water.

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Where can I get contraceptive advice?

The morning after pill is not a substitute for long-term contraception.

If you would like to explore other options about the different contraception methods & talk about what might be suitable for you, please speak to one of our pharmacists in confidence.

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Get in touch or pop in to talk in private about the morning after pill.

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