Emergency Contraception – The Morning After Pill

If you’ve had unprotected sex or contraception failure, you may need emergency contraception to reduce the risk of pregnancy. At Murrays Chemist in Harrow, we offer the Morning After Pill through a confidential pharmacy consultation, with same-day collection available.

What Is the Morning After Pill?

The Morning After Pill is a type of emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) that helps prevent pregnancy if taken within a specific time frame after unprotected sex. It does not cause an abortion and will not work if you are already pregnant.

There are two main types of emergency contraception pills available at Murrays Chemist:

1. Levonelle

Contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone.
Works by delaying or preventing ovulation.
Must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex for best effectiveness.
More effective the sooner it is taken.

2. ellaOne

Contains ulipristal acetate, which blocks progesterone to delay ovulation.
Can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex.
More effective than Levonelle, especially if taken later within the time frame.

Both pills work by delaying ovulation, preventing the release of an egg so that fertilization does not occur.

Who Can Take the Morning After Pill?

Most women can safely use emergency contraception, including:

Those who cannot use hormonal birth control (like the combined pill or contraceptive patch).
Women who have had contraception failure (e.g., missed pill, broken condom).
Women who had unprotected sex and want to reduce pregnancy risk.
Girls under 16 years old (subject to a confidential consultation with a pharmacist).

However, the pill may not be suitable if you:

Are already pregnant.
Have severe asthma (for ellaOne).
Are on certain medications that interact with emergency contraception.

If you are unsure, our expert pharmacists will assess your suitability during your consultation.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Some women may experience mild side effects after taking the Morning After Pill, including:

Nausea or vomiting (if you vomit within 3 hours, another dose may be needed).
Headache or dizziness.
Changes in your next period (earlier, later, heavier, or lighter).
Abdominal pain or cramping.

If you experience severe side effects or an irregular period after taking the pill, consult a healthcare professional.

How to Get the Morning After Pill in Harrow

Murrays Chemist is conveniently located at 172 Kenton Road, Kenton, Harrow HA3 8BL, easily accessible from surrounding areas like Harrow, Ealing, Bramley, Wembley, and Stanmore. Whether you’re traveling by road or public transport, our pharmacy is well-connected, making it a trusted healthcare destination for nearby communities.
Call us at 0208 907 0413
Book a confidential consultation online

We provide a discreet and professional service to ensure you get the right emergency contraception quickly and conveniently.

Important Information

Emergency contraception is most effective the sooner you take it.
It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
If you have frequent contraception failures, consider discussing long-term contraception options with our pharmacists.

If you need emergency contraception today, book an appointment now or visit us for a same-day consultation.