Morning after pill
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What is the morning after pill?
Emergency hormonal contraception, often called the morning after pill, can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex, depending on which type of pill you take. The sooner you take the morning after pill, the greater the chances of avoiding pregnancy. The morning after pill is intended for emergency use and shouldn't be used on a regular basis.
How do I access the morning after pill?
Do you need the morning after pill immediately?
The emergency hormonal contraceptives available at Boots are for women who’ve had unprotected sex within the last 5 days. Simply pop into your nearest Boots pharmacy as soon as possible to have a friendly, reassuring and confidential chat with one of our pharmacists. They’ll be able to advise you on your emergency contraceptive options, as well as offer any help or support you may need. Alternatively, you can also visit your local GP or a sexual health/contraception clinic.
You can also purchase this via the Boots Online Doctor2, with same day collection in-store if ordered before 1pm.
Do you want the morning after pill for future use?
If you don’t need the morning after pill right now, but would like it in case you want it in the future, you can buy any of the 3 morning after pills we offer online. Simply fill out an online questionnaire and a pharmacist will check that your chosen pill is suitable for you before sending it out for delivery. You need to be at least 16 years old to buy the morning after pill online. If you are under the age of 16, pop into your nearest Boots pharmacy where you may benefit from a face-to-face chat with a member of our team.
*Ordering online isn't suitable if needed for immediate use. If required for immediate use please visit your local store, or alternatively visit Boots Online Doctor which offers same day in-store collection if ordered by 1pm.
ellaOne
ellaOne contains Ulipristal Acetate, and works by postponing ovulation. It can be taken within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected sex, although it's more effective the sooner it's taken.
Active ingredient: Ulipristal Acetate
Minimum age to buy online: 16
Minimum age to buy in store: None
Not suitable if: You know or suspect you're pregnant, you're breastfeeding (unless you express and discard your milk for one week after taking ellaOne), you're allergic to ulipristal acetate or any of the other ingredients in this medicine, or you're taking certain medications, such as liver enzyme inducers or oral glucocorticoids. There may be other reasons why ellaOne may not be suitable. Our pharmacist will check suitability based on the information you give during the online questionnaire. If ellaOne isn’t suitable, please speak with your GP, a sexual health/contraception clinic or local Boots pharmacist who will be able to help.
For more information about ellaOne, please read the patient information leaflet.
Levonelle One Step/Levonorgestrel 1.5mg Tablets (generic)
Levonorgestrel, the active ingredient in Levonelle One Step and Levonorgestrel 1.5mg Tablets (generic), is a hormone-like substance. It works by preventing ovulation, or by preventing sperm from fertilising any eggs you may have already released. It can be used within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex, although it’s more effective the sooner it’s taken.
Active ingredient: Levonorgestrel
Minimum age to buy online: 16
Minimum age to buy in store: 16
Not suitable if: You know or suspect you may be pregnant, you're at risk of or have previous history of ectopic pregnancy, you're breastfeeding (unless you discard expressed milk or avoid nursing for at least eight hours after taking the pill), you're allergic to levonorgestrel or any of the other ingredients in this medicine, or you're taking certain medications, such as liver enzyme inducers. There may be other reasons why Levonorgestrel may not be suitable. Our pharmacist will check suitability based on the information you give during the online questionnaire. If Levonorgestrel isn’t suitable, please speak with your GP, a sexual health/contraception clinic or local Boots pharmacist who will be able to help.
For more information, please read:
Levonelle One Step patient information leaflet
Generic Levonorgestrel 1.5mg Tablets patient information leaflet
Other forms of emergency contraceptive
The most effective emergency contraception is the intrauterine device (IUD), also known as the coil. It can be fitted up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex at your GP surgery or a sexual health/contraception clinic. Some women may find it invasive, but your pharmacist or GP can provide more information. If you choose to have the coil fitted, it's recommended to also take the morning after pill. The coil releases copper into the womb, changing cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach an egg. It's free if fitted at an NHS surgery or sexual health/contraception clinic.
Minimum age: None. Not suitable if: Pregnant, untreated STI, uterus or cervix issues, unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Emergency Contraception | Meet our Pharmacists
We are joined by Ella, a pharmacist at a Boots store in Weybridge. She will be discussing emergency contraception, its effectiveness, the different types available, and how to take it correctly. You can also learn more about common misconceptions and information about STIs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The morning after pill at Boots starts from £10, but the price may vary depending on which treatment is suitable for you. In some areas, it can also be free of charge in pharmacies through a local NHS service (subject to eligibility criteria and pharmacist availability). Ask in-store if this applies in your area.
You may also be able to get the morning after pill for free on the NHS if it’s prescribed by your GP or a sexual health/contraception clinic. You'll have to pay for the morning after pill if you choose to purchase online for future use.
The morning after pill can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex, depending on which type of pill you take. The sooner you take the morning after pill, the greater the chances of avoiding pregnancy. The morning after pill is intended for emergency use and shouldn't be used regularly. Always read the label.
Like all medicines, the morning after pill also has side effects. Common side effects can include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Cramps/period pains
If you’re sick within 2 hours of taking the morning after pill, you might need to take another dose. Speak to a pharmacist if this happens, to find out if you need to take another one or not. Always read the label.
The effectiveness of the morning after pill is hard to measure. It varies from person to person and depends on factors like how soon you take it after unprotected sex. Take a look at the ‘Available Treatments’ section to see how effective the emergency contraceptive pills available at Boots are.
There is no limit on how often you can take the morning after pill, although it should only be used as emergency contraception. Other forms of contraception should be considered for ongoing use. You can speak to a pharmacist or your GP about the options available.
Different morning after pills work in different ways. Some work by postponing ovulation or by preventing sperm from fertilising any eggs that may have already been released.
Yes, it is possible. A very small percentage of people who take emergency hormonal contraception in the specified time frame after unprotected sex get pregnant. The sooner you take emergency contraception after unprotected sex, the more effective it usually is. The effectiveness of the morning after pill is also impacted by what stage you’re at in your menstrual cycle.
No, the morning after pill should only be used for emergency contraception. Find out more in our article.
2Access to prescription-only treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.
21Available in selected England stores only. Subject to availability, eligibility criteria apply.
