Emergency oral contraception (EOC)
This method is also known as the “morning after pill”, “emergency pill” or “morning after pill”.
There are two types of hormonal preparations for emergency contraception:
- Plan B1 A single levonorgestrel tablet taken after high-risk intercourse. This is the method most often prescribed.
- Ella: An ulipristal acetate tablet, effective over a longer period than Plan B, and recommended for women with a BMI over 25.
Both methods are designed to be taken only once, after unprotected sexual intercourse or in the event of contraceptive failure.
Effectiveness: Emergency oral contraception can be used for up to 120 hours, i.e. 5 days after high-risk sexual relationsIt is most effective if taken as soon as possible. It is important to take a pregnancy test after use to ensure that no pregnancy has occurred.
| Time elapsed since risky sexual encounter | Plan B® | Ella® |
| 0-24 hours | 95% | 99% efficacy up to 5 days after intercourse |
| 25-48 hours | 85% | |
| 49-120 hours | 58% |
Price: Approximately $30. Price may vary by location. *Ifprescribed by a‧e doctor or a‧e infirmièr‧e, pharmacy prescription fees are not charged.
How it works: Emergency oral contraception can prevent pregnancy if a contraceptive method has failed, or if no contraception has been used. However, no emergency contraceptive method protects against sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs).
Mode of action:
- It delays or prevents ovulation.
Where to get it : Emergency oral contraception (EOC) can be prescribed directly by a‧e pharmacist‧ne, for a fee. It can also be prescribed by a‧e doctor or a‧e nurse‧ère. For more information, consult your family doctor, pharmacist, CLSC, regular medical clinic or the S.O.S. Pregnancy nurse. Certain‧e‧s school nurses‧ère‧s may also prescribe this method.
FAQ
I am pregnant despite taking emergency oral contraception. Is it dangerous for the pregnancy if I decide to continue?
Yes, the IUD can be installed in people who have experienced a groTaking emergency oral contraception is not dangerous for pregnancy. There are no data to suggest that Plan B or Ella is harmful at the start of pregnancy or during an ongoing pregnancy. 2
Can I take emergency oral contraception while breastfeeding?
Yes, Plan B and Ella can be used while breast-feeding. It is advisable to breastfeed before taking Plan B and to skip the next breastfeeding, as levonorgestrel can pass into breast milk. For further details, consult your pharmacist‧ne. 3
Does emergency oral contraception affect my future fertility?
Tampons and menstrual cups can be used with an IUD, provided they are replaced and cleaned fNo, oral emergency contraception does not affect future fertility. You can become pregnant the very next time you have sexual relations if no contraceptive method is used. 4
What are the possible side effects of emergency oral contraception?
Side effects may include nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, headache or fatigue. Contact your pharmacist‧ne for advice on managing these symptoms. 5
Does emergency oral contraception affect the menstrual cycle?
Oral emergency contraception does not trigger a menstrual period. You may experience light bleeding, but this is not your period. Your next period may come earlier or later than expected. 6
Is it dangerous to take emergency oral contraception frequently?
Repeated use of emergency oral contraception is not harmful to health, but it is less effective than other methods of contraception.7
What should I do if I am using a hormonal contraception method and need to use emergency oral contraception?
Continue to use your hormonal contraception as usual. If you have forgotten to use emergency oral contraception, use an additional method of contraception for 7 days following high-risk sexual relations. 8
- CU-LNG pills, such as Plan B, Norlevo, Option 2® and Next Choice®, contain levonorgestrel, a form of progestin. They are available without prescription in Canadian pharmacies. They are most effective when taken within 24 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. Sour ce: https: //www.caseplanifie.ca/ ↩︎
- Protocole de contraception du Québec 2024 – Emergency Contraception Instrument. Source : https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/2024-05/3466-outil-contraception-urgence.pdf ↩︎
- 4.6.4 Breastfeeding and EOC. Protocole de contraception du Québec 2024. Source : https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/2024-05/3466-outil-contraception-urgence.pdf ↩︎
- Protocole de contraception du Québec 2024 – Emergency contraception. Sourc e: https: //www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/2024-05/3466-outil-contraception-urgence.pdf ↩︎
- 4.6.6. Prevention and management of adverse effects. Québec 2024 contraception protocol. Source : https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/2024-05/3466-outil-contraception-urgence.pdf ↩︎
- 4.9 Summary of recommendations. Protocole de contraception du Québec 2024. Source : https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/2024-05/3466-outil-contraception-urgence.pdf ↩︎
- 4.9 Summary of recommendations. Protocole de contraception du Québec 2024. Source : https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/2024-05/3466-outil-contraception-urgence.pdf ↩︎
- 4.9 Summary of recommendations. Protocole de contraception du Québec 2024. Source : https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/2024-05/3466-outil-contraception-urgence.pdf ↩︎
