Levonelle/levonorgestrel:

Must be taken within 72 hours (3 days).

Effectiveness is highest within 12 hours, decreases by 24 hours, and continues to reduce over the 72-hour window.

Must be taken within 3 days, but best taken immediately.

Less effective if you weigh over 70 kg or have a BMI over 26 â€“ in these cases ellaOne or a copper IUD is preferred.

Safe to continue using regular contraception straight after taking it.

Works by delaying ovulation and preventing fertilisation.

May be less effective if vomiting occurs within 3 hours (a repeat dose may be required).

May not work reliably if ovulation has already occurred.

ellaOne (ulipristal acetate):

Can be taken within 5 days, but should still be taken as soon as possible.

Not advised if you have used hormonal contraception in the past 7 days without medical advice (it can reduce effectiveness).

More effective for individuals with a higher BMI compared to Levonelle.

Must not be used more than once in the same cycle unless clinically advised.

Maintains a more stable effectiveness across the whole 5-day window.

Works by blocking progesterone receptors, significantly reducing the chance of egg release even when ovulation is near.

Must not be taken together with Levonelle or hormonal contraception in the same timeframe without medical advice.

Not suitable during breastfeeding unless milk is expressed and discarded for 7 days.

More effective than Levonelle if you have ovulated or are close to ovulation.

Acute porphyria - a rare inherited condition affecting the way the body processes chemicals, which can lead to severe abdominal pain and other symptoms.

Active trophoblastic disease - a condition involving abnormal growth of cells in the uterus following pregnancy, miscarriage, or molar pregnancy; requires specialist medical care.

Fallopian tube surgery - any previous surgery involving the fallopian tubes, including procedures due to blockages, infection, or damage.

Galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption - rare hereditary conditions that affect the body’s ability to process certain sugars found in medicines.

Liver problems - any current or past liver condition, including hepatitis, jaundice, liver inflammation or reduced liver function.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause abdominal pain, fever, and long-term fertility complications.

Past ectopic pregnancy - a previous pregnancy that developed outside the womb, usually in a fallopian tube.

Severe bowel malabsorption disorders - conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or any disorder that reduces the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and medicines properly.

• You will read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication
• You will contact us and inform your GP of your medication if you experience any side effects of treatment, you start new medication and/or your medical conditions change during treatment
• The treatment is solely for your own use
• You have answered all the above questions accurately and truthfully
• You understand our prescribers take your answers in good faith and base their prescribing decisions accordingly, and that incorrect information can be hazardous to your health
• You understand that whilst decisions relating to your treatment are made jointly between you and the prescriber, the final decision to issue a prescription will always be with the prescriber.

• The efficacy of levonorgestrel significantly decreases within the first three days, therefore do you agree to take it within 72 hours of sexual intercourse but preferably within 12 hours?
• The efficacy of EllaOne significantly decreases within the first five days, therefore do you agree to take it within 120 hours of sexual intercourse but preferably within 24 hours?

• Levonorgestrel should be taken as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours and no later than 72 hours (3 days) after you have had unprotected sex. Levonelle is not 100% effective so it should be taken at the earliest opportunity possible and must not be delayed.
• EllaOne should be taken as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours and no later than 120 hours (5 days) after you have had unprotected sex. EllaOne is not 100% effective so it should be taken at the earliest opportunity possible and must not be delayed.
• If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking levonorgestrel/ellaOne, you will need to take another dose immediately.
• Emergency contraception may cause menstrual cycle disturbances which means that your next period may be early or late.
• A barrier method of contraception needs to be used until your next period to prevent pregnancy.
• If you are planning to take Levonorgestrel and are already using a regular method of hormonal contraception, you can continue to take hormonal contraception as normal.
• If you are planning to take EllaOne, please be aware that EllaOne may reduce the effectiveness of your regular hormonal contraceptive. Therefore, whilst we recommend continuation of your regular hormonal contraception, you should use a reliable barrier method until your next menstrual period to prevent pregnancy.
• You will need to seek medical attention promptly if any abnormal lower abdominal pain develops.
• Use of emergency contraception does not protect you against the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. If you develop pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, a high temperature or any other concerns about this, you must seek medical advice.
• You must see your GP in 3-4 weeks if your next period is abnormally light, heavy, brief or absent, or if you are concerned that the difference is not normal. If there is any doubt as to whether menstruation has occurred, a pregnancy test should be performed at least 3 weeks after unprotected intercourse. If your next period is more than 5 days late or is unusually light or heavy, you should perform a pregnancy test and contact your GP without delay.
• Emergency contraception is not a replacement for long term contraception. Please consult with your GP to discuss a reliable form of long term contraception.