Side effects

There should not be any serious side effects from taking EHC. However, it can cause headache, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting.

If someone vomits within two hours of taking levonorgestrel or three hours of taking ulipristal acetate, refer to the pharmacist or GP as they will need another dose. EHC can also affect the person’s next period – it may be earlier, later or more painful than normal.

Red flags

Customers should be referred to the pharmacist if they have taken
EHC, and:

• They think they might be pregnant
• Their next period is more than seven days late
• Their next period is shorter or lighter than usual
• They have any sudden or unusual pain in their lower abdomen, which could indicate an ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilised egg starts to develop outside the womb). This is rare, but it is serious and requires immediate medical attention.

Signposting

• Family Planning Association: fpa.org.uk
• NHS: nhs.uk/contraception