The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has reassured all women that they can continue to take emergency contraceptives when needed, regardless of their body weight, following a review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The EMA review concluded that there was not enough robust evidence to show that being overweight reduces the effectiveness of emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) such as levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate. The results of the review will be reflected in the UK product information for the emergency contraceptives Levonelle and ellaOne. MHRA deputy director of vigilance and risk management of medicines, Dr Sarah Branch, said:

“Women should continue to take these products as early as possible after contraception failure or unprotected intercourse,” but added that “they should not be used to replace regular contraceptive methods”.