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Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception at Reliance Pharmacy: quick, private and judgement free

The sooner, the better

Emergency contraception works best the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure. Levonorgestrel can be taken up to 72 hours afterwards and ulipristal (ellaOne) up to 120 hours, but both are more effective in the first 24 hours. You do not need an appointment; ask at the counter for a private word with the pharmacist.

What happens

The pharmacist will ask a few questions in the consultation room: when it happened, where you are in your cycle, what medicines you take and whether you are breastfeeding. That decides which tablet suits you. You can take it there and then. The whole thing takes about ten minutes and nothing is discussed at the counter.

Cost

Emergency contraception is free on the NHS for many people through pharmacy schemes, and where it is not, it is available privately. Tell us your situation and we will explain what applies.

Afterwards

Your next period may be early or late. Take a pregnancy test if it is more than a week late. If you are not using regular contraception, our pharmacists can now start you on the pill under the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service at the same visit.

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Book online at reliancepharmacy.co.uk or ask in any Reliance Pharmacy branch.

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