An independent pharmacy based in Earls Barton, Northampton.
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Emergency Hormonal Contraceptives

Home Emergency Hormonal Contraceptives
Emergency Contraception

The Morning After Pill

The morning after pill as commonly referred is an emergency hormonal contraceptive pill which can be taken to follow unprotected sex to avoid pregnancy. It is recommended to take the pill as soon as possible after the sexual intercourse. If you require the pill, one of our pharmacists will carry out a short assessment by asking you to fill in a short questionnaire to establish if the treatment is suitable for you.

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There are two drugs available in the UK without a prescription that are used as an Emergency Hormonal Contraceptives (EHC). Levonelle one-step and EllaOne. Levonelle One-step can be used for no longer than 72 hours of unprotected sex in order to prevent pregnancy. EllaOne is to be taken no longer than 120 hours after unprotected sex.

The pharmacist will advise you as to which contraceptive pill is suitable for you during a consultation. The morning after pill is not to be used regularly as it’s only for occasional use when another form of contraceptives was not used or failed.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency Hormonal Contraceptives

If you need emergency contraception, Earls Barton Pharmacy is here to help. Our service is available for patients in Earls Barton and the wider Northampton area. We understand how important it is to get the advice and treatment you need quickly, and our friendly team is ready to assist you. You don’t need to wait for a GP appointment – we can provide you with reliable, confidential support right here in your local community.

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Frequently asked questions:

What is emergency contraception, and how does it work?

Emergency contraception is a way to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your regular contraception fails, for example if a condom breaks. The most common option is the morning-after pill, which works by delaying ovulation, meaning your body won’t release an egg for fertilization. It’s safe and effective, especially when taken as soon as possible after the event.

Do I need a prescription to get the morning-after pill?

No, you don’t need a prescription to get emergency contraception from us. Our pharmacists are qualified to provide it directly, so you won’t have to go through the hassle of booking a GP appointment. You can just visit our pharmacy in Earls Barton.

How soon do I need to take the morning-after pill for it to work?

The sooner you take it, the better. Some pills work up to 3 days after unprotected sex, while others can be effective for up to 5 days, but they’re more effective the earlier you take them. When you visit us, we’ll advise you on the best option based on when you last had sex and the date of your last period.

Are there any side effects?

Most people don’t experience side effects, but some may feel a bit nauseous, have a headache, or notice changes in their next period. For example, it could arrive earlier or later than usual. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. If you’re worried, we’re always here to discuss any concerns.

Can I just walk in, or do I need to book an appointment?

You can walk in, but if you prefer to avoid waiting, booking an appointment online is quick and easy. Either way, we’ll make sure you’re taken care of as soon as possible.