Women's health
Morning after pill
Emergency contraception, kept in your bathroom cabinet. Discreet packaging, fast dispatch.
Reviewed by an Irish-registered pharmacist
How it works
- 1Answer a few questions
- 2Doctor reviews
- 3Dispatched to your door
Treatment options
- LevonorgestrelEffective up to 72 hours
- EllaOne (ulipristal)Effective up to 120 hours
Clinical overview
About morning after pill
The morning after pill is a form of emergency contraception used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It is a safe and effective option, but it is highly time-sensitive.
The pill works primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation (the release of an egg). Emergency contraception is not an abortion pill; if an egg has already been fertilised and implanted in the womb, the morning after pill will not disrupt the pregnancy.
Because effectiveness decreases over time, it is crucial to take the medication as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
Comparing your options
- Levonorgestrel (e.g., Prevenelle, Norlevo)
Must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. Most effective when taken within the first 24 hours.
- Ulipristal Acetate (EllaOne)
Can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. Shown to be slightly more effective than Levonorgestrel, especially if taken later in the window.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I order it in advance to keep at home?
- Yes. Many women choose to order emergency contraception in advance to keep in their bathroom cabinet. This ensures you have it immediately available when you need it most, without the stress of trying to access a pharmacy quickly.
- Will it affect my regular contraception?
- If you take EllaOne, it can temporarily reduce the effectiveness of your regular hormonal contraception. You will need to use condoms for a specified period afterwards. Levonorgestrel does not typically interfere with regular contraception.
- What are the side effects?
- Common side effects include nausea, a headache, or mild abdominal pain. Your next period may also arrive slightly earlier or later than usual. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the pill, you will need to take another dose.
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