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how do I get the morning-after pill?

You can get the morning-after pill from a pharmacist without a prescription. It is free at pharmacies in the HSE Free Contraception Service if you are 17 to 35. The HSE says it works better the sooner you take it: one type up to 3 days (72 hours) after sex, the other up to 5 days (120 hours).

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01 Ask a pharmacist

The HSE says to talk to your GP, a family planning clinic or a pharmacist about the best emergency contraception option for you. You do not need a prescription for the morning-after pill.

  • Aged 17 to 35: it is free at a pharmacy that offers the Free Contraception Service. Give the pharmacy your PPS number, name, address and date of birth, so it can confirm your age.
  • Medical card: you can get emergency contraception directly from a pharmacy, free of charge, without going to your GP for a prescription.
  • Any age: the HSE says “You can use emergency contraception pills at any age.”

Sources: HSE: Emergency contraception; HSE: Free contraception. Checked 29 October 2026.

02 How long you have

The HSE describes two types of emergency contraception pill:

  • The 3 day pill can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex.
  • The 5 day pill can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after sex.

Both are more effective the sooner you take them. The HSE says the 5 day pill may be less effective if you are on some hormonal contraceptives, and either may be less effective if you have already taken another emergency pill in the same cycle. The pharmacist can tell you which suits you.

The copper coil is the other kind of emergency contraception. It can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after the earliest date you could have ovulated, whichever is earlier, at a family planning clinic or a GP who fits coils. At 17 to 35 it is free under the Free Contraception Service, including the GP appointment and fitting.

Source: HSE: Emergency contraception. Checked 29 October 2026.

03 Afterwards

  • If you are sick (vomit) after taking it, the HSE says to go back to your GP, pharmacist or family planning clinic. You may need another dose or a coil.
  • It can make your next period earlier, later or more painful than usual.
  • It does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections. Where to get an STI test.
  • The HSE suggests talking to your GP or pharmacist about regular contraception. Free contraception at 17 to 35.
Free Contraception Service (HSE)

Sources: HSE: Emergency contraception; HSE: Free contraception. Checked 29 October 2026.