Free morning after pill
Condom split, missed pill, or had sex without contraception? You can get the morning after pill free on the NHS at Newton Drive Pharmacyif you're eligible. Walk in and ask for the pharmacist, or fill in our free online consultation and we'll deliver it the next day.
- Free on the NHS if you're eligible
- Walk in, no appointment
- Next-day discreet delivery
- Private consultation room
How long after sex can I take the morning after pill?
You have up to 3 days (72 hours) or up to 5 days (120 hours), depending on which type the pharmacist recommends. Despite the name, you don't have to wait until the morning. Both work best the sooner you take them, so come in or order as soon as you can.
| Pill | Take it within | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-day pill | Up to 3 days (72 hours) | Delays or stops the release of an egg | Works best the sooner you take it. Can be used more than once in a cycle. |
| 5-day pill | Up to 5 days (120 hours) | Delays or stops the release of an egg | Works for longer after sex. If you take hormonal contraception, wait 5 days before restarting it. |
Neither pill ends a pregnancy that has already started, and neither protects you from STIs. The copper coil (IUD) is the most effective emergency contraception and works up to 5 days after sex. We can refer you to a sexual health clinic to have one fitted.
What happens after you take the morning after pill?
Most people have no problems. Some get a headache or stomach pain, or feel sick for a day or so. Your next period may come earlier or later than usual.
Emergency contraception only covers sex you've already had. If you have sex again, use a condom or start regular contraception. After the 3-day pill you can start or carry on with your regular contraception straight away. After the 5-day pill, wait 5 days before starting or restarting hormonal contraception. Either way, use condoms in the meantime, and the pharmacist will tell you exactly how long for.
How to get the free morning after pill
There are two ways. Walk in if you need it today, or start online if next-day delivery works for you.
Walk in today
No appointment and no GP referral. Ask at the counter to speak to the pharmacist and you'll talk in our private consultation room.
Newton Drive Health Centre, Newton Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 8NX
- Monday – Friday: 08:30 – 21:00
- Saturday: 17:00 – 21:00
- Sunday: 09:00 – 19:00
Start online, delivered next day
- 1
Fill in the free online form
A few short questions about you and your health. It takes a couple of minutes.
- 2
Our pharmacist checks it
They review your answers, confirm you're eligible and call you if they need to.
- 3
We post it the same day
If it's suitable, it goes out in plain packaging and usually reaches you the next day.
Online orders are for adults 18 and over. If you're under 18, call us on 01253 30 40 10and we'll explain your options.
Who can get emergency contraception free?
We give emergency contraception through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service. The pharmacist checks whether you're eligible for the free service during your consultation. You don't need to be registered with a GP. If you aren't eligible, we can still help privately. Ask us for current prices.
Whatever your situation, we won't judge you. Lots of people need emergency contraception at some point.
Morning after pill near me
We're inside Newton Drive Health Centre on Newton Drive, Blackpool FY3 8NX, and open 7 days a week, including evenings until 9pm on weekdays. If you're in Poulton-le-Fylde, Thornton-Cleveleys, Fleetwood or Lytham St Annes, you can walk in here or start online.
Can't get to us? Start an online consultation and we'll deliver to any address in England or Wales, usually the next day.
Open in Google MapsMorning after pill questions
Can I get the morning after pill free?
Yes. Newton Drive Pharmacy gives the morning after pill free through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service if you're eligible. Walk in with no appointment, or fill in our free online consultation and we'll deliver it the next day in plain packaging.
How long after sex can I take the morning after pill?
There are two types. One has to be taken within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex and the other can be taken up to 5 days (120 hours) afterwards. Both work better the sooner you take them, so don't wait for the morning.
Do I need an appointment or a GP referral?
No. You can walk in during opening hours and ask to speak to the pharmacist. You don't need to be registered with a GP, and you don't need a prescription.
Which type of morning after pill will I get?
The 5-day pill works for longer after sex and is thought to be the more effective of the two. The 3-day pill may suit you better if you take certain medicines or have just restarted your regular contraception. Our pharmacist will ask a few questions and recommend the right one for you.
Is the morning after pill the same as the abortion pill?
No. Emergency contraception delays or stops the release of an egg. It won't end a pregnancy that has already started, and it won't harm one.
Can I take the morning after pill more than once?
Yes, even in the same menstrual cycle, and it won't affect your fertility. It's less reliable than regular contraception, though, so it's worth asking us about the pill. Tell the pharmacist if you've taken either type in the last 5 days, because the two shouldn't be mixed.
What if I'm sick after taking it?
If you're sick within 3 hours of taking either pill, contact us or come back in. You may need another dose, and we'll give it to you free if you're eligible.
Will anyone else find out?
No. You talk to the pharmacist in a private consultation room, away from the counter. We don't tell your GP, your parents or anyone else unless you ask us to, or there's a serious safety concern.
What's the most effective emergency contraception?
The copper coil (IUD). It can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex and then keeps working as regular contraception. A trained clinician has to fit it, so we can refer you to a sexual health clinic.
Do I need a pregnancy test afterwards?
Take a pregnancy test if your period is more than 7 days late, or lighter or shorter than usual. See a GP or go to A&E straight away if you get sudden, severe pain low in your stomach.
More from the NHS: Emergency contraception on NHS.uk
This page is general guidance and doesn't replace a consultation. Last reviewed by Newton Drive Pharmacy, regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council.
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