Prescription Services

If you've had unprotected sex or you think that the contraception you did use might have failed, then you may decide you want to use an emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy.

The reasons for unprotected sex may include:
Not using any form of contraception
Failure of barrier contraception, such as a burst condom
Missed pills - leading to a loss of protection from your contraceptive pill
Antibiotics or other medicines or supplements that may make the contraceptive pill less effective.(Our Pharmacist can advise you which medicines and supplements can interact with the Contraceptive Pill)

How reliable is it?

It is more effective the sooner you take it. If this is within 24 hours of unprotected sex, it is about 95% effective. It must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, after this you should visit a contraceptive, sexual health or GUM clinic, walk-in centre or your GP surgery as soon as possible. They may be able to offer another form of emergency contraception such as the intra uterine device or coil.

How can I get emergency hormonal contraception?

You can obtain it from us without a prescription in one of two ways:

Purchase it over the counter. It is only available in this way if you are 16 years or older. Its costs £26.00 to buy

Using the free scheme run in conjunction with Bromley Primary Care Trust.This is available for those aged between 14 and 24 years of age.

Can someone else to get it for me?

No, you would need to obtain it yourself. Before supplying it to you,our Pharmacist will have to ask you a few questions.Only you will have the correct answers to these.It will also allow you to ask any questions you may have or check for any contraindications or interactions.

Is it ok to carry on using it each time I need to instead of using regular contraception?
It is best to use a form of regular contraception. This is far more effective than emergency contraception, which can vary from being up to 95% effective if taken within 24 hours to 58% if taken within 72 hours, so there can be a 4 in 10 chance of emergency contraception failing if not taken early enough.

As well as other forms of regular contraception available with a prescription from your GP or Sexual Health Clinic, we carry a variety of condoms in our pharmacy.

How safe is it?
Emergency contraception is very safe with no serious short-term or long-term effects. Side effects may include feeling sick, dizziness, tiredness, headache, breast tenderness or abdominal pain. If it were to fail and you became pregnant, then it has not been shown to affect the pregnancy or harm the developing baby.

This service is only available if the accredited Pharmacist or trained member of staff is available. The Pharmacy is only able to supply Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) if the accredited Pharmacist is available. EHC cannot be supplied if patients are taking certain types of medication or if it is more than 72 hours since unprotected intercourse. Age restrictions may apply.

NB: We provide a confidential pregnancy testing service on the premises, with the result available in only a matter of minutes. Depending on the outcome of the test, our staff can advise and provide information accordingly.