Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About…
How to Get Emergency Contraception
Where can I get EC?
In the U.S., progestin-only EC is available on the shelf without age restrictions to women and men. Look for Plan B One-Step, Take Action, Next Choice One-Dose, My Way or other generics in the family planning aisle.
In the United States, there are several different brands of emergency contraceptive pills (sometimes called the "morning after pill") that may be available in pharmacies. Regulations on the sale of EC have changed frequently, so it can be quite confusing.
Below is some information about how the different brands of EC are sold.
If you want to use ella, call the pharmacy first to be sure that it is in stock.
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Progestin-only EC (like Plan B One-Step and its generic forms Take Action, Next Choice One Dose and My Way) are approved for unrestricted sale on store shelves. Anyone can buy it without needing to show ID. Plan B One-Step usually costs about $50, and the generics cost about $40.
- You have the right to buy progestin-only EC at a pharmacy without showing ID. If someone denies you EC, let us know. The American Society for Emergency Contraception has a fact sheet explaining the current regulations for purchase of EC that you can print and bring to the pharmacy: Emergency Contraception: A Guide for Pharmacies and Retailers.
- If you want to use insurance to purchase EC, go to the pharmacy counter and ask for help.
- You can order a generic form of Plan B One-Step at www.afterpill.com for $20 + $5 shipping. This site does not offer expedited shipping, so it’s not meant for emergency use, but you can stock up and keep it on hand for future use.
- ella is sold by prescription only, regardless of age. You can also order ella online at KwikMed or prjktruby for $67, including next-day shipping.
- Click here to read about more online and mobile options for getting EC.
Since not all stores 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 Bedsider’s 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.