Pharmacy services · Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception, when you need it.
Contraceptive failure or unprotected sex can be a stressful situation, and there is something you can do. The risk of pregnancy can be reduced by taking the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) as soon as possible.
When getting to a doctor is not possible or practical, an accredited ECP pharmacist is available at Matakana Pharmacy to talk with you and provide the ECP where appropriate.
- Accredited ECP pharmacists
- 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Discreet and without judgement
The ECP at a glance
- Who you'll see
- An accredited ECP pharmacist
- When
- 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Best taken
- Within 24 hours
- Can still work
- Up to 72 hours afterwards
How it works
How the emergency contraceptive pill works
The ECP prevents pregnancy in two ways.
Delays the release of an egg
It delays the release of an egg from your ovary until sperm are no longer active.
Changes the lining of your uterus
It changes the lining of your uterus so a fertilised egg cannot implant and develop.
The ECP is for emergency use only and is not a substitute for regular contraception.
How effective is it?
The sooner you take it, the better it works
The ECP is most effective the sooner you take it after unprotected sex. Taking it within 24 hours is best, but it can still prevent pregnancy up to 72 hours afterwards. It has been shown to prevent:
95%
Within 24 hours
of expected pregnancies prevented
85%
Within 25 to 48 hours
of expected pregnancies prevented
58%
Within 49 to 72 hours
of expected pregnancies prevented
The ECP does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have any concerns, speak with your pharmacist, doctor or family planning clinic.
After taking it
Possible side effects
You may experience the following, though they should settle within a few days.
If vomiting occurs within three hours of taking the ECP, another dose should be taken immediately.
Your next period will probably come at the expected time, but it may be early or late, and it could be heavier than usual.
- Breast tenderness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
Looking after yourself
Precautions to take
Contraception
- Use a barrier contraceptive (condoms) until your next period
- If you use a contraceptive pill, keep taking your hormonal pills as normal and use additional barrier protection for seven days
- If you have fewer than seven hormonal pills left in the packet, continue straight on to the next pack and skip the seven-day break or the placebo (sugar) tablets
See your doctor promptly if
- Your next period is unusually light or heavy, or more than 5 days late
- You are taking oral contraceptives and there is no bleeding in the pill-free interval
- You have any lower abdominal pain
Breastfeeding? The ECP is generally safe to take while breastfeeding, but check with your pharmacist or doctor if you are concerned.
Good to know
Common questions
Do I need to see a doctor?
Not necessarily. When getting to a doctor is not possible or practical, an accredited ECP pharmacist is available 7 days a week, 364 days a year at Matakana Pharmacy to talk with you and provide the ECP where appropriate.
How soon do I need to take it?
As soon as possible. Taking it within 24 hours is best, but it can still prevent pregnancy up to 72 hours afterwards.
Can I use it as my regular contraception?
No. The ECP is for emergency use only and is not a substitute for regular contraception.
Does it protect against STIs?
No. The ECP does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have any concerns, speak with your pharmacist, doctor or family planning clinic.
What if I vomit after taking it?
If vomiting occurs within three hours of taking the ECP, another dose should be taken immediately.
Will it affect my next period?
Your next period will probably come at the expected time, but it may be early or late, and it could be heavier than usual. See your doctor promptly if it is unusually light or heavy, or more than 5 days late.
Can I take it while breastfeeding?
The ECP is generally safe to take while breastfeeding, but check with your pharmacist or doctor if you are concerned.
Will I be judged?
No. Our accredited ECP pharmacists are here to help, discreetly and without judgement.
Don't wait it out. Come and see us.
Book a consult, give us a call, or simply pop in - our pharmacists are here 7 days a week.