Anyone can make a mistake with contraception. No matter how careful you are, things can still go wrong. If you think you need emergency contraception, it’s important to act quickly. Emergency contraception (sometimes described as the morning after pill) can be effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex but is more effective the sooner you use it.

Our Emergency Contraception Service:

Our pharmacists have been trained to treat requests for emergency contraception professionally and confidentially. He or she will need to ask a few simple questions before you are given Norlevo® 1.5mg. This will help the pharmacist ensure that Emergency Contraceptive pill is suitable for you to use. If for any reason it is not suitable, our pharmacist will direct you another source of help and support.

Some of the reasons it may not be suitable to supply Norlevo® 1.5mg include:

• too much time has passed for the medicine to be effective
• you are taking other medicines that interact with Norlevo® 1.5mg
• you have an existing medical condition that means it is not safe to take Norlevo® 1.5mg
• your last period was irregular in some way.

You will be supplied with the medication, along with advice from the pharmacist on how it should be taken.  Your pharmacist will also offer you advice on the options available for long-term methods of contraception.  You will be given information on STIs and the importance of safe-sex in protecting yourself and your partner.

Our emergency contraception service is open to women over 16 years of age.

The current cost of this service, including the medicine, is €30.  There will be no charge if the pharmacist decides not to supply you with the medicine.  Customers purchasing Norlevo® 1.5mg will also receive informational literature.

For further information visit our FAQ section and our Myths about Emergency Contraception section

Emergency Contraception is not as effective as other forms of contraception such as the pill or condoms used appropriately. Emergency contraception does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections. Ask one of our pharmacists or see www.thinkcontraception.ie for further information.

Click here to find the Hickey’s Pharmacy closest to you and to identify our Sunday and late-opening stores.

 USEFUL DOWNLOADS (Click on the Image to Download PDF Document)

	This HSE booklet will help you choose a form of contraceptive which works for you.		This HSE booklet is a guide to STIs - which are infections that are passed on from an infected partner(s) during unprotected sex.

Norlevo® 1.5mg should not replace regular, long-term contraception. Always read the label. Contains levonorgestrel. Not 100% effective. Norlevo® 1.5mg can be used for up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but it's more effective the sooner you take it.

For further information please click here for the patient information leaflet, which contains information about Norlevo® 1.5mg, how to take it and any possible side effects you may experience. Talk to your pharmacist for further information.