Emergency Contraceptive Service

Please book a pharmacist consultation to discuss getting emergency contraception. It is quick, confidential and we will let you know your options in minutes.

What is Emergency Contraceptive?

Emergency Contraceptive also know as the morning after pill is a pill that you take after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It can also be used if regular contraception has failed or you are worried that your regular contraception may have not been used or taken correctly. If you think you may need emergency contraceptive it is always important to act quickly and consult your pharmacist for advice. It is important to note that the morning after pill is most effective when taken as close as possible to the event.

How do I get Emergency Contraception?

It is available to you directly from your local pharmacy, without a prescription for those over 16 years old, following a private consultation with the pharmacist to ensure suitability for you.

All our pharmacists at Onlinepharmacy.ie are highly trained to ensure that you receive a confidential and professional service when requesting the morning after pill. The pharmacist will ask some simple questions to check the suitability of the pill before dispensing to you.

Emergency contraception can be suitable to be taken for up to 120 hours post unprotected sex, but it is important to note that it is most effective if taken as soon as possible.

What are some of the reasons that is Emergency Contraception would not be suitable?

  • Too much time has passed since the unprotected sex for the medicine to be effective (max time is 120 hours)
  • You may be taking other medications or have certain medical conditions that make it unsafe for you to use emergency contraception
  • You are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medication
  • You have already taken an emergency contraceptive pill within this cycle.

If for any reason the pill is not suitable, there may be further options available. Our pharmacists are trained to be able to direct you to the correct source for help or support.

How effective is Emergency Contraception?

They are not 100% effective. This is because there is a chance that you may have already ovulated when you take an emergency contraceptive pill. Taking emergency contraceptive pills as soon as possible after unprotected sex gives the best chance of success.

Potential Side effects from Emergency Contraception

You will be given a patient information leaflet which details side effects and further information on the pill. It is important to note that these side effects are only potential, a lot of people will not experience any ill effects.

  • Feeling sick or nausea
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Headaches
  • Irregular bleeding or spotting can occur until your next period
  • Painful first period following taking the pill
  • Tiredness
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Breast tenderness

What is the cost of emergency contraception in your pharmacy?

The morning after pill is available free of charge for all medical card holders when a valid medical card is presented. For other customers, a fee will be charged, depending on the outcome of the consultation and the type of emergency contraceptive given.

Sexually Transmitted Infection

It is important to note that emergency contraception does not protect you from sexually transmitted infection. It is important to speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about STI’s.

Further information can be found at https://www.sexualwellbeing.ie/