HERE IF YOU NEED US.
Emergency Hormonal Contraception
Our Northumberland pharmacies offer free, confidential, supportive Emergency Hormonal Contraception consultations, if you’ve had unprotected sex within the last 5 days.
What is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency Hormonal Contraception (‘the morning after pill’) can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (e.g. a missed pill or condom break). The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is—ideally within 72 hours, but in some cases up to 120 hours (5 days) depending on the medicine used.
Our trained pharmacists are here to support you with safe, professional advice and immediate access to emergency hormonal contraception if you need it, and are able to refer you to other services for further support.
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How does the consultation work?
At the pharmacy, you’ll have a private consultation with a trained pharmacist. Scroll across to find out what this includes, and how we can support you.
Contraceptive Advice
Our Pharmacist will provide advice on what emergency contraception is right for you.
Who can use this service?
This service is available to women and people with a uterus aged 13 years and over, following unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure, who wish to prevent pregnancy.
- The earlier the emergency contraception is taken, the more effective it is at preventing pregnancy.
- The unprotected sexual intercourse must have happened within the last 120 hours to benefit from Emergency Hormonal Contraception. We may be able to refer you to specialist services for further support if it has been longer than 120 hours (5 days).
- All supply is subject to consultation with a Pharmacist, and exclusions apply. Persons aged under 16 seeking to use the service will be assessed in line with national guidance and may be referred to specialist services if required.
Find Us and Pop In.
Find your nearest pharmacy using our map, and find out more using the drop-downs below. You don’t need to bring anything with you for your consultation.
Available Locations
Our Pharmacies are here when you need us.
Branches are open late evenings and weekends to support you. Click on the dropdowns opposite, and give us a call or pop in today. You can also book in advance – see more below.
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Everything You Need to Know.
No Appointment Needed, but book ahead if you’d like.
Call-in during our opening times, or book ahead for added peace of mind. We’re here for you.
Independent & Community-focused.
As local, independent pharmacies, we’re deeply rooted in communities across Northumberland, and committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our patients and neighbours.
Supporting you to make the most Appropriate Choice.
There are three main methods of emergency contraception available in the UK. Each works slightly differently, and the best choice depends on factors such as your preference, if you’d like ongoing long-term contraception, how long it’s been since unprotected sex, your weight, and whether you’re taking other medications. We’ll work with you to make sure you can choose and access the most appropriate option for you.
The Copper Coil (Intrauterine Device)
The copper IUD, sometimes called the copper coil, is the most effective form of emergency contraception.
- We’ll always recommend this as an option, especially if you’re looking for ongoing, long-term contraception.
- The Copper IUD can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after ovulation, whichever is later.
- The overall pregnancy rate of patients fitted with an IUD is less than 0.1%. The device continues to protect you as long-term contraception (up to 5-10 years, depending on the device fitted).
Although we can’t fit the copper IUD in-pharmacy, our pharmacists can advise and refer you to a local clinic quickly if you are interested in this option. Find out more using the link below.
Levonorgestrel (e.g. Levonelle)
- Taken as a single tablet, or two in certain circumstances;
- Must generally be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex;
- Works best the sooner it’s taken;
- Can be used if you’re already on hormonal contraception.
Further cautions and contraindications apply, which will be discussed during your appointment. Always follow the advice of your healthcare professional.
Ulipristal Acetate (e.g. EllaOne)
- Taken as a single tablet;
- Effective within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex;
- May be slightly more effective than levonorgestrel, especially if you’re closer to ovulation;
- EllaOne may not be suitable if you’re already using hormonal contraception (like the pill, patch or injection), or live with severe asthma.
Further cautions and contraindications apply, which will be discussed during your appointment. Always follow the advice of your healthcare professional.
Which Option is Best for You?
During your consultation, our pharmacist will:
Safeguarding those under 16 years
We’re sensitive to the needs of young people under 16. Our pharmacists are specially trained to offer non-judgmental advice and support. Where appropriate, we may recommend follow-up with local sexual health services to ensure you have access to ongoing contraception and care.
All staff providing this service will have undertaken Safeguarding Training and are DBS-Checked. Provision of contraceptive services to patients under the age of 16 will be undertaken in-line with national guidelines, and services will only be provided if strict criteria are met.
We respect the privacy and confidentiality of young people accessing our services. Consultations are confidential within the healthcare team. However, if we believe that you or someone else may be at risk of harm, we may need to share information with other professionals such as safeguarding teams or sexual health services to ensure your safety. Whenever possible, we will discuss this with you before taking any action.
Frequently Asked Questions.
We understand that this might be a stressful time. Our pharmacists are here to offer reassurance, guidance, and professional care. Don’t hesitate to contact your nearest branch—we’re happy to help.
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