The Pharmacy First for Emergency Hormonal Contraception service is a free community pharmacy service available from participating MediCare pharmacies across Northern Ireland. For a list of participating MediCare pharmacies and to book an appointment please clink the button below.

It allows you to speak privately with a pharmacist if you need emergency contraception, sometimes called the morning after pill. Your pharmacist can provide expert advice and, where clinically appropriate, free treatment. 

You do not need to see your GP first. Community pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who can assess whether emergency contraception is suitable for you and recommend the most appropriate next steps. If you need further medical care, your pharmacist will advise you where to go next.

Free treatments available through the service may include:

  • Levonorgestrel 1.5mg emergency contraception, which can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure
  • Ulipristal acetate 30mg emergency contraception, which can be used up to 120 hours, or five days, after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure
  • Desogestrel 75 microgram tablets, a progestogen-only contraceptive pill, which may be supplied as short-term bridging contraception where appropriate

Visit your local MediCare pharmacy

Call into your local MediCare Pharmacy and ask about Pharmacy First for Emergency Hormonal Contraception. Our pharmacy team will let you know whether the service is suitable for you and guide you through the next steps.

Where clinically appropriate, treatment can be supplied free of charge through the Pharmacy First service.

Your pharmacist can provide sexual health advice, including how to access free STI testing if needed.

Book Your Appointment

Do I need to see a doctor?

Not always. If you need emergency contraception, your local MediCare pharmacist can offer advice and, where suitable, free treatment without the need for a GP appointment.

If the pharmacist feels emergency hormonal contraception is not suitable, they will explain this clearly and advise you where to go next.

Why visit your pharmacist first?

  • You can get quick, expert advice about emergency contraception.
  • Consultations are available in the pharmacy, often without an appointment.
  • The service is free for eligible patients.
  • Your pharmacist can supply free treatment where appropriate.
  • Your consultation will take place privately and confidentially.
  • Using the pharmacy first helps GP practices focus on patients with more complex medical needs.

What will the pharmacist ask?

The pharmacist will ask about when unprotected sex or contraceptive failure happened, your menstrual cycle, your medical history, and any medicines you are currently taking.

They may also ask about your usual contraception, any allergies, and whether there is any possibility you may already be pregnant.

This helps them decide whether Pharmacy First is suitable for you and which treatment is most appropriate.

Your consultation will take place in a private consultation room, so you can speak openly and confidentially.

What if emergency contraception is not suitable?

If emergency hormonal contraception is not suitable, the pharmacist will explain why and advise you on the most appropriate next steps.

In some situations, the copper coil, also known as an intrauterine device or IUD, may be recommended as an alternative form of
emergency contraception. The pharmacist can advise you where to access further
support if needed.