Methods of emergency contraception and how they work

Emergency contraception can be used after unprotected sex or when your regular contraceptive has failed, to prevent pregnancy.

• ‘Morning-after’ pills (Levonelle)
• EllaOne pills
• Intrauterine devices (the coil)

‘Morning-after’ pills (Levonelle)

These are tablets that contain a high dose of the hormone levonorgestrel. They can be used within 72 hours of having sex. Guidelines say that they should not be used as a regular contraceptive.

Find out if ‘Morning-after’ pills are suitable for you:

• If you take clobazam, clonazepam, ethosuximide, gabapentin, lacosamide, levetiracetam, pregabalin, sodium valproate, tiagabine, vigabatrin or zonisamide
• If you take carbamazepine, eslicarbazepine acetate, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rufinamide or topiramate
• If you take lamotrigine

EllaOne pills

EllaOne pills are a new type of emergency contraceptive tablet. They can be used within 120 hours (five days) of having sex, to prevent pregnancy.

Find out if EllaOne pills are suitable for you:

• If you take clobazam, clonazepam, ethosuximide, gabapentin, lacosamide, levetiracetam, pregabalin, sodium valproate, tiagabine, vigabatrin or zonisamide
• If you take carbamazepine, eslicarbazepine acetate, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rufinamide or topiramate
• If you take lamotrigine

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 regular method of contraception

Intrauterine devices (the coil) are a recommended method of emergency contraception for all women with epilepsy.

Also in this section

• Methods of regular contraception and how they work
• Methods of emergency contraception and how they work
• Anti-epileptic drugs and contraception - a quick guide