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GPhC Registered | NHS Approved | 4.9⭐ Google Rating | Same Day Appointments | Distance Selling Pharmacy
Free NHS service Telephone or video consultation Time-sensitive — do not wait
NHS · Urgent · Sunderland

Emergency contraception.
Call us now for a phone or video consultation.

The morning-after pill is most effective within 72 hours of unprotected sex, and significantly more effective the sooner it is taken. This service is provided entirely by telephone or video consultation, with free home delivery if emergency contraception is clinically appropriate for you. The sooner you call, the more effective the treatment.

Time matters

How effective is emergency contraception?

Emergency hormonal contraception (the morning-after pill) prevents pregnancy by delaying or inhibiting ovulation. It does not terminate an existing pregnancy. Effectiveness decreases significantly with time — which is why acting immediately is essential.

Levonorgestrel (Plan B equivalent) is most effective within 72 hours. Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) is effective up to 120 hours. Your pharmacist will advise which is most appropriate for you during your phone or video consultation.

Do not wait. Every hour reduces effectiveness. Call us immediately on 0191 503 4053. If we are closed, contact your nearest open pharmacy or call NHS 111.
Telephone or video consultation, with free home delivery. This service does not require an in-person visit. Your consultation is carried out entirely by phone or video, and if emergency contraception is clinically appropriate for you, we deliver it free of charge to your home. Call 0191 503 4053 now to arrange this. If delivery would not reach you in time to be effective, your pharmacist will advise you on the fastest alternative, such as your nearest open pharmacy or NHS 111.
Effectiveness by time
Within 24 hours

Up to 95% effective at preventing pregnancy. Call us now.

24–48 hours

Approximately 85% effective. Still highly worthwhile — call us immediately.

48–72 hours

Approximately 58% effective. Call us as soon as possible.

72–120 hours

EllaOne (ulipristal) is available up to 120 hours with reduced but meaningful effectiveness.

What to expect

What happens when you call.

Call us or book online

Call us immediately on 0191 503 4053, or book online, for a telephone or video consultation. There is no need to travel to us, your pharmacist assesses your situation remotely and arranges delivery where appropriate.

Confidential phone or video consultation

Your pharmacist will ask a few brief questions by phone or video about the timing of unprotected sex and your medical history to confirm which pill is most appropriate and safe for you. This is completely confidential.

Free home delivery, if appropriate

If emergency contraception is clinically appropriate and delivery can reach you in time to be effective, it is dispatched for free home delivery. Your pharmacist explains how to take it, what side effects to expect, and what to do if you vomit after taking it.

Contraception going forward

Your pharmacist will discuss ongoing contraception options if this is something you would like to address — including our routine NHS contraception service.

Act now — every hour matters

Call us or book online — every hour matters.

Call us now

Call 0191 503 4053 immediately. Open 7 days a week, 9am–5pm (bank holidays closed). Your pharmacist will assess you by phone and arrange delivery or the fastest option for you.

0191 503 4053 →

Free home delivery

Call 0191 503 4053 now for your telephone consultation. We will assess whether delivery is clinically appropriate given the time elapsed.

Call now →

If we are closed

Call NHS 111 or visit your nearest open pharmacy. Do not wait until we open — time is critical.

Call NHS 111 →
Outside opening hours? Call NHS 111 for advice and nearest available pharmacy. Do not wait.
FAQs

Emergency contraception FAQs.

Is the morning-after pill free?
Yes. Emergency contraception is provided free of charge under the NHS to eligible patients. You do not need to be registered with a Sunderland GP.
Do I need to visit the pharmacy in person?
No. This service is provided entirely by telephone or video consultation. If emergency contraception is clinically appropriate for you, it is delivered to your home free of charge, there is no need to travel to us.
Can you deliver emergency contraception to my home?
Yes, this is how the service is provided. Call us immediately on 0191 503 4053 for your consultation — delivery is subject to the time elapsed since unprotected sex, as our pharmacist must first confirm that delivery is clinically appropriate and that the medication will reach you quickly enough to be effective. Do not assume delivery is always available; call us first.
How do I know if I am eligible and which pill is right for me?
Your pharmacist will carry out a confidential phone or video consultation to determine which option is most appropriate for you. Key factors include how much time has passed since unprotected sex, your current medications, and your health history. Important: if you take antidepressants (particularly SSRIs, SNRIs, or tricyclics) or certain other medications, this may affect which emergency contraceptive is safest for you. Please tell your pharmacist about all medications you take, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
Will this show up on my medical record?
Only with your consent. Your pharmacist will ask whether you want a summary sent to your registered GP. You can decline this. The consultation is confidential.
Does emergency contraception work if I am already pregnant?
No. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy from occurring — it does not terminate an existing pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, it will have no effect.
Should I use a pregnancy test afterwards?
Yes. If your next period is more than 5–7 days late, or lighter or shorter than usual, take a pregnancy test. If the result is positive, contact your GP. Your pharmacist will advise on this during your consultation.
Can I book emergency contraception online instead of calling?
You can book online, but because effectiveness falls with every hour that passes, calling us on 0191 503 4053 is the fastest way to start your consultation and arrange delivery. Use the online booking option only if you are unable to call.
Related

Related services.

Contraception

Ongoing oral contraception available from our pharmacist without a GP appointment — free NHS service.

Learn more →

Pharmacy First

Our free NHS pharmacist service for common conditions without a GP appointment.

Learn more →

Private Pharmacist

For broader reproductive health discussions, our prescribing pharmacist is available same-day.

Learn more →