Emergency contraception available in UK pharmacies without a prescription.

The drug received its authorisation to be non-prescription in the EU in January this year after the European Medicines Agency recommended that the hormonal emergency contraceptive be reclassified in 2014.

 

It can be used to prevent an unintended pregnancy up to five days after the unprotected intercourse, or failure of a contraceptive method. It prevents or delays ovulation, and although it can be effective up to 120 hours after, it works best when taken within 24 hours of the unprotected sex.

 

“ellaOne is the most effective emergency hormonal contraceptive available,” Tony Fraser said of HRA Pharma UK and Ireland. “I am delighted to see the new P packs going out for sale under the supervision of a pharmacist direct to those in need.”

 

Other emergency contraceptives have been available without prescription for a while in most EU countries, such as Levonorgestrel- containing contraceptives. However, the vast majority are licensed for being taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society welcomes the move, they say that it is widening options for women who are at risk of an unintentional pregnancy.