One of the most searched pharmacy questions in Ireland is also one with the best news attached: yes, the morning after pill is free for a large share of the people who need it, and you don’t need a prescription or a GP visit to get it.
Who gets it free?
- Anyone aged 17–35, under Ireland’s Free Contraception Scheme, emergency contraception from the pharmacy is free. No medical card needed, no prescription needed.
- Medical card holders of any age, free at the pharmacy.
- Everyone else pays the normal pharmacy price, and we’ll always tell you the cost up front before anything is dispensed.
Will it be free for me?
Two quick taps, nothing is recorded.
How long do I have?
Longer than most people think, but sooner is always more effective:
- ellaOne (ulipristal): works up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.
- Levonorgestrel-based pills: work up to 3 days (72 hours) after.
Even if it’s been a few days, come and talk to us, a pharmacist will tell you honestly what your options are, which may include contacting your GP about other forms of emergency contraception.
What happens when you come in
- Ask any member of staff to speak to the pharmacist, you don’t need to say why at the counter.
- We move to the private consultation room for a few short questions (timing, cycle, medicines you take).
- The pharmacist supplies the right pill and you take it, ideally straight away, with water, in store.
The whole thing typically takes under ten minutes and is completely confidential.
It’s okay, just come in
No judgement, no appointment, no fuss. A private word with the pharmacist at Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise, and free for ages 17–35 and medical card holders.
How it works, and what to know afterwards
Both types of morning after pill work mainly by delaying the release of an egg (ovulation). The European Medicines Agency notes that the 5 day pill (ellaOne) no longer works if ovulation has already happened, which is one reason to take emergency contraception as soon as you can. The copper coil works even after ovulation. The HSE says it can be fitted as emergency contraception up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after the earliest date of ovulation, whichever is earlier. Ask your GP or a family planning clinic about it.
- Emergency contraception does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- If you are sick (vomit) after taking the pill, contact us, your GP or a family planning clinic. You may need another dose or a copper coil.
- Your next period may come earlier or later than usual, or be more painful.
- Talk to us or your GP if your period does not come, and about a regular contraception option that suits you.
- There is no evidence that the emergency contraception pill causes infertility, or that it can only be taken a certain number of times in your life.
Sources: HSE, Emergency contraception; European Medicines Agency, ellaOne.
Morning after pill FAQs
Is the morning after pill free in Ireland?
Yes for many people: it’s free from the pharmacy for anyone aged 17–35 under the Free Contraception Scheme, and free for medical card holders. Others pay the standard pharmacy price, which we confirm before dispensing.
Do I need a prescription for the morning after pill?
No. Pharmacists in Ireland can supply emergency contraception after a short private consultation, no prescription and no GP visit needed.
How late is too late?
ellaOne works up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex; levonorgestrel pills work up to 72 hours (3 days). Effectiveness is higher the sooner you take it, so don’t wait.
Can someone else collect it for me?
The pharmacist needs to speak with the person who’ll be taking it, so ideally come in yourself, or message us on WhatsApp and we’ll talk you through your options.
Reviewed by Deirdre O’Donovan MPSI, pharmacist (registered since 1981), Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise, July 2026. See our emergency contraception service page for full details.
