Whether your contraception failed or you had unprotected sex, you could be at risk of getting pregnant and a morning after pill may be able to help.
Here at Pharmhealth Pharmacy, we have responsible, discreet and experienced pharmacists to help answer any of your queries about the Morning After Pill and help you make an informed decision on the options available to you.
Should you wish to avail of the Morning After Pill, we now offer a Click and Collect service to save you time on collection by filling out an online consultation form and processing your request.
GET STARTED
The step by step guide to ordering your Emergency Contraception
- Complete and submit the online consultation form below for Collection at Pharmhealth DCU
- Submit your order request for Click & Collect at Pharmhealth DCU
- Wait for confirmation or contact from one of our pharmacists that your order is ready for collection.
- On arrival ask to speak to the pharmacist in the consultation room and give details of your order number.
Free Emergency Contraception now available to those with a uterus aged 17-35 years old.
Click & Collection Times
Please note that collection for this consultation request is only available weekdays during opening hours except Bank holidays. Your online request can still be made online, but will not be reviewed until a pharmacist is on duty within the pharmacy.
Some Morning After Pill FAQ’s you may have?
What is emergency contraception?
- If you want to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, you can use the morning after pill. You may wish to do this if you have had sex without using contraception, or if contraception failed.
- Commonly referred to as the ‘Morning after pill’, Emergency Contraception (EC) is available without prescription in the form of a single tablet called Norlevo or Ella-one.
- There are two types of hormonal emergency contraception; the three day pill (Norlevo) and the five day pill)
What is the difference between the 3 day (Norlevo) and 5 day (Ella-One) morning after pill?
Whilst both are effective if taken within the guidelines, it is always best to take the morning after pill as soon as possible after sex to ensure effectiveness. Some studies have suggested that the five day tablet is more effective given it is effective for a longer period of time.
How long is the ‘morning after pill’ effective for?
The morning after pill is effective for up to 120 hours after sexual intercourse, However, its effectiveness decreases with time so it is important to act quickly. Evidence* indicates that levonorgestrel-based Emergency Hormonal Contraception will prevent 95% of expected pregnancies if taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex, 85% between 24-48 hours and 58% if used within 48-72 hours.
*Task force on postovulatory methods of fertility regulation (1998). Randomised controllled trial of levonorgestrel versus the Yuzpe regimen of combined oral contraceptives for emergency. Lancet 352: 428-433
Who can get the morning after pill from a pharmacy?
Pharmacies are able to offer the morning after pill to women over 17 years of age who meet some criteria. The online form contains questions which enable a pharmacist to make a judgement on the suitability of the ‘Morning after Pill’ and its use. There is no right or wrong answer to any of the questions asked.
How does the Morning after pill work?
The morning after pill works by modifying the activity of progesterone in the body. The levels of progesterone help control ovulation. The increased levels of progesterone cause a delay in ovulation which stops three things occurring thus preventing pregnancy. These are:
- Temporarily stopping the release of an egg from the ovary.
- Prevents fertilization
- Prevents a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.
How much does the morning after pill cost?
Since the 14th September 2022, morning after pill is provided Free of Charge if deemed appropriate by one of our pharmcaists. You do hoever need to provide a valid Personal Public Service (PPS) number to available of the free scheme. Alternatively, there will be a cost of €25.
Can the ‘Morning After Pill’ affect your period?
Yes, it can have an effect on the timing of your next period. Whilst it is likely that your next period will be either early or delayed ,it more frequently happens that your next period will be a few days late.
However, if your period is more than 7 days late; if it is unusually light or unusually heavy; or if you
experience symptoms such as abdominal (stomach) pain, breast tenderness, vomiting or nausea, you
may be pregnant. You should do a pregnancy test right away. If you are pregnant, it is important that
you see your doctor.
Besides the morning after pill are there other options available for Emegency Contraception?
Yes, an Intra-uterine Copper Device (IUD) (Bellarine)can be fitted as emergency contraception by a family planning clinic or trained doctor up to five days after unprotected sex. This device is also Free of charge if you are aged 17-30 years and present with a valid prescription. However, 72 hours or more must have passed since the unprotected sex for this to be an alternative option. It must also be worn until your next period. It is 99% effective and can remain in place in place as a form of contraception for 5-10 years. It may be more suitable to you if you have taken certain prescribed medicines within the last four weeks. However, its one big disadvantage is that it can cause some women to have heavier and longer periods.
If I am lactose intolerant can I take the ‘Morning After Pill’?
Depending on your degree of lactose intolerance an alternative option may be more appropriate. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our Pharmacists should you wish to discuss further