
Morning After Pill (Emergency Contraception)
Emergency contraception (ECP) is available in Ireland without a prescription. Medical Card holders can get it free of charge from the pharmacy without having to see a doctor. If you do not have a medical card a fee will apply.
There are currently 2 versions of the ECP available without prescription.
Levonorgestrel must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of sex to be effective,
Ulipristal must be taken within 120 hours (5 days). Both are more effective the quicker it is taken after intercourse.
Evidence to date supports the Ulipristal as being more effective than Levonorgestrel.
How Do I Get The Emergency Contraception Pill?
In our pharmacies our policy is that to avail of the ECP without prescription you must be over 17, and that the person who needs it is present in the shop. Our pharmacist will ask you a few questions to ascertain that the ECP is suitable for you (this will happen in private in our consultation areas). All information given will be treated as confidential.
For more information on contraception visit www.sexualwellbeing.ie.