Morning After Pill

The morning-after pill is an effective emergency contraception option that can help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It works best when taken as soon as possible, and timely use is key to its effectiveness.

Through 123Meds, you can receive expert-approved morning-after pill treatments via our UK-registered online pharmacy service, with prescriptions reviewed by clinicians and delivered discreetly straight to your door.

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Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception, often called the morning after pill, is a medicine that helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if regular contraception has failed (for example, a condom splitting or a missed pill).

It is not the same as an abortion pill and will not work if you are already pregnant. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is.

There are two main types of morning after pill used in the UK. Levonorgestrel (Levonelle) contains a synthetic hormone that delays ovulation (the release of an egg). Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) works by blocking or delaying ovulation. Both prevent sperm from fertilising an egg, but they will not affect a pregnancy that has already started.

The copper coil (IUD) is another highly effective form of emergency contraception, but it must be fitted by a doctor or nurse. Our service only provides the morning after pill, not IUD fitting.

The morning after pill should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Levonorgestrel can be used within 72 hours (3 days), while ulipristal can be used up to 120 hours (5 days). Effectiveness decreases the longer you wait, so prompt use is important.

You may need emergency contraception if you had unprotected sex, if your regular contraception failed, or if you forgot to take your usual pill. If you vomit within three hours of taking the pill, you should seek medical advice as you may need another dose.

You should seek urgent advice if you have severe abdominal pain, heavy or unusual bleeding, or if your period is more than seven days late after taking emergency contraception, as these may indicate pregnancy or another problem.

Our service can provide morning after pills such as levonorgestrel and ulipristal for adults who need emergency contraception. These medicines are safe and effective when used correctly, but they are not designed to be a regular form of birth control. Using reliable ongoing contraception is recommended to avoid future need for emergency options.

Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. If you are breastfeeding, have certain health conditions, or take other medicines, you should discuss which pill is most suitable for you. If you develop severe abdominal pain, dizziness, or feel faint after taking the pill, you should contact NHS 111, your GP, or A&E urgently.

Frequently asked questions

When should I consider emergency contraception?
You may need emergency contraception if you have had sex without using protection, if a condom split, slipped off or leaked, or if you missed your usual contraceptive pill. You may also need it if you have been vomiting or had diarrhoea, as this can make the pill less effective. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of preventing pregnancy, and we can help you access treatment without delay.
Can everyone take the morning after pill?
Most people can safely take emergency contraception. However, it may not be suitable if you have a known allergy to progestogens, severe liver disease, acute porphyria, conditions that affect how medicines are absorbed, or severe asthma treated with oral steroids. Some medicines, including certain epilepsy treatments, antibiotics and HIV medicines, can also reduce how well the morning after pill works. During your online consultation, always tell us about any medication you are taking so we can recommend the safest and most effective option for you.
Who can use the morning after pill?
Most women can safely use emergency contraception, even if they cannot take regular hormonal contraception. It is also suitable for women who are breastfeeding, with Levonelle usually recommended first. You may need it if you are not using any contraception or if your usual method has failed.
Emergency contraception is not effective if you are already pregnant, and it may not be suitable if you are taking certain medicines such as treatments for epilepsy, tuberculosis or HIV. It is also not advised if you have severe liver disease or if you have already taken another emergency pill earlier in your cycle.
If you are unsure whether it is safe for you, our clinical team will review your answers and recommend the most suitable option.
When to take the morning after pill?
Emergency contraception works best the sooner you take it. Levonelle should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, but it is most effective if taken within 12 hours. EllaOne can be taken within 120 hours (five days), and works best within the first 24 hours.
If you vomit within two hours of taking Levonelle or within three hours of taking EllaOne, contact us or a pharmacist as you may need another dose.
Can I use the morning after pill more than once?
Yes, but not more than once in the same cycle without medical advice. Frequent use may disrupt your cycle – consider regular contraception for long-term protection.
Does it affect future fertility?
No – taking emergency contraception does not impact your ability to get pregnant in the future.
Can I take it while breastfeeding?
Levonelle is safe to use while breastfeeding. If you take EllaOne, you should avoid breastfeeding for seven days afterwards. During this time, you can express and discard your milk to maintain supply until it is safe to resume feeding.
What if I’m on medication?
Some medications can reduce effectiveness. Tell us what you’re taking in your consultation – we may advise a different method, such as the copper IUD.