We have put together some FAQs to help you understand this service.

Who is eligible for the free Emergency Hormonal Contraceptive tablet?

The service is provided to all women of child-bearing age.

How long after unprotected sex can I take the tablet?

We can provide levonorgestrel which is effective up to 96 hrs (4 days) after unprotected sex. We can also provide ulipristal which can be taken up to 120 hrs (5 days) after unprotected sex. The most appropriate medication will be supplied after consultation with the pharmacist.

What options do I have if more than 120 hours (5 days) have passed since unprotected sex?

If you have had unprotected sex more than 120 hours (5 days) ago, we are unable to provide you with hormonal contraception.

You can be fitted with an Interuterine Device (IUD), commonly known as the "coil". This is the most effective form of emergency contraception in all cases. The IUD can be fitted up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex or within 5 days of your expected ovulation date where this can be accurately calculated. The coil is available from sexual health services. Their phone number is 0300 300 2016.

You must contact sexual health service on the number above as soon as possible to discuss your options.

I have missed one or more of my contraceptive pills. Do I need EHC?

Emergency contraception is not always necessary in the event of missing a contraceptive pill, patch or ring. The contraceptive type, the number of pills missed and where you are in your cycle will determine whether you need emergency contraception. Before coming to the pharmacy, we suggest you:

• Read the "Missed Pill" advice in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your contraceptive pills
Read the guidance on the NHS website. For the combined pill: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/miss-combined-pill/ and for the progesterone only pill: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/miss-progestogen-only-pill/
• Call the pharmacist on (023) 9266 2511 to discuss whether you need emergency contraception.

I have had vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Do I need EHC?

Emergency contraception is not always necessary in the event of vomiting and/or diarrhoea. The timing of the vomiting/diarrhoea, duration and severity of the vomiting/diarrhoea will determine whether you need emergency contraception. Before coming to the pharmacy, we suggest you:

• Read the "Vomiting / Diarrhoea" advice in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your contraceptive pills
Read the guidance on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/pill-sick-vomit-diarrhoea/
• Call the pharmacist on (023) 9266 2511 to discuss whether you need emergency contraception.

I've taken my dose of levonorgestrel or ulipristal but have been sick. What do I do?

If you vomited your dose of either levonorgestel or ulipristal within 3 hours of taking it, you will need to come to the pharmacy to collect a second dose.