Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About...
How to Get Emergency Contraception
Where can I get EC?
In the United States, there are currently five different brands of emergency contraceptive pills (sometimes called the "morning after pill") that may be available in pharmacies. Unfortunately, it can be a bit confusing because there different regulations on how to buy these pills. Not all pharmacies stock all of these, so be sure to call ahead. Because of the age restrictions, emergency contraceptive pills are only sold behind the counter in licensed pharmacies, when a pharmacist is on duty.
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Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, Next Choice and Levonorgestrel Tablets are approved for sale without prescription to women and men 17 and older. Women aged 16 and younger need a prescription.
- ella is sold by prescription only, regardless of age. You can also order ella through an online prescription service for $40, including next-day shipping.
Since not all pharmacies carry emergency contraception, we recommend that you call ahead to check availability. If you have a prescription for ella, it is important to call ahead to be sure that your pharmacy has it in stock. To find an EC provider near you, try our searchable database, or you can use this online prescription service to purchase ella.
Other health care providers - such as Planned Parenthood and health department clinics - also may have emergency contraceptive pills available for direct purchase.