Emergency Oral Contraception

Question 1

What are the 3 main types of emergency contraception?

Answer 1

• Copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD)
• Oral Ulipristal acetate
• Oral Levonorgestrel

Question 2

How is Levonorgestrel 1500 mcg licensed?

Answer 2

• Women aged 16 or over

- For emergency contraception within 72 hours of unprotected sex

Question 3

How is Ulipristal acetate 30 mg tablet licensed?

Answer 3

• Emergency contraception within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex

Question 4

Can oral emergency contraception be supplied in advance?

Answer 4

Yes - ensured that patient is competent and they intend to use the medicine appropriately

Question 5

What are the steps in the event of your own religious or moral beliefs preventing you from supplying oral EHC?

Answer 5

• Inform your employer and colleagues ASAP
• Make the care of patient the priority
• Organise alternative e.g. referral to other pharmacy or alternative staff to supply