Emergency contraception can be used after unprotected sex or when your planned contraceptive has failed, to prevent pregnancy.
‘Morning-after’ pills
Levonorgestrel (Levonelle)
These are tablets that contain a high dose of the hormone levonorgestrel. They can be used within three days (72 hours) of having sex. Guidelines say that they should not be used as a planned contraceptive.
Find out if this method of contraception may work for you on the epilepsy medicines and contraception page.
Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne)
EllaOne pills are a new type of emergency contraceptive tablet. They can be used within five days (120 hours) of having sex, to prevent pregnancy.
Find out if this method of contraception may work for you on the epilepsy medicines and contraception page.
Intrauterine devices (the coil)
These are devices made from plastic and copper. They are fitted into your womb. They can be used up to five days after having sex. The coil can also be used as a planned method of contraception.
Find out if this method of contraception may work for you on the epilepsy medicines and contraception page.
We can provide references and information on the source material we use to write our epilepsy advice and information pages. Please contact our Epilepsy Helpline by email at helpline@epilepsy.org.uk.
Epilepsy Action would like to thank Dr Margaret Jackson, Consultant Neurologist at Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, UK and Janine Winterbottom, Epilepsy Specialist Nurse at The Walton Centre, Liverpool, UK for their contribution to this information.
Dr Margaret Jackson and Janine Winterbottom have no conflict of interest to declare.
This information has been produced under the terms of The Information Standard.
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Updated July 2012To be reviewed July 2014
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