Can't Find Afterpill? You Still Have Options

If you're looking for Afterpill and can't find it — whether it's out of stock online, shipping times are too long, or you simply need emergency contraception right now — don't panic. There are several alternatives that contain the exact same medication or work even better in certain situations.

Emergency contraception is time-sensitive, so the best option is the one you can get fastest. This guide walks you through the most effective alternatives to Afterpill available in 2026, with real prices and practical advice on how to get them.

What Is Afterpill and How Does It Work?

Afterpill is an emergency contraceptive pill containing Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, a synthetic progestin hormone. It works primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation — if your body doesn't release an egg, pregnancy can't occur.

Key facts about Afterpill:

• Available over the counter — no prescription needed
• Most effective within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected intercourse
• Effectiveness decreases with time — take it as soon as possible
• Sold primarily online through AfterPill.com for about $20 + $5 shipping
• May be less effective for individuals weighing over 165 lbs (75 kg)

For a deeper look at how this medication works in your body, read our mechanism of action explainer.

Alternative 1: Plan B One-Step (Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg)

Plan B One-Step is the most well-known emergency contraceptive in the United States and contains the exact same active ingredient as Afterpill — Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg.

• How it works: Identically to Afterpill — delays ovulation
• Availability: Over the counter at virtually every major pharmacy chain (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Rite Aid)
• Price: $40-50 without insurance
• Time window: Within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse
• Key difference from Afterpill: More expensive, but available for immediate purchase at retail locations

If you need emergency contraception today and can't wait for online shipping, Plan B One-Step is the most direct substitute for Afterpill.

Alternative 2: Generic Levonorgestrel (Take Action, My Way, and Others)

Several generic and store-brand versions of levonorgestrel 1.5 mg are available at lower prices than Plan B One-Step:

• Take Action — ~$25-40, available at most pharmacies
• My Way — ~$20-40, widely available
• EContra One-Step — ~$20-35
• Option 2 — ~$20-35
• New Day — ~$15-30
• React — ~$20-35

These are all medically identical to Afterpill. Same drug, same dose, same effectiveness. The only differences are packaging and price.

Use Medfinder to check which of these generics are in stock at pharmacies near you.

Alternative 3: Ella (Ulipristal Acetate 30 mg)

Ella is a different type of emergency contraceptive that may be a better choice in certain situations:

• How it works: Ulipristal acetate is a selective progesterone receptor modulator that delays ovulation, even when levonorgestrel may no longer be effective (later in the ovulation cycle)
• Time window: Effective for up to 120 hours (5 days) — significantly longer than levonorgestrel
• Effectiveness: Maintains consistent effectiveness throughout the 5-day window, while levonorgestrel's effectiveness drops each day
• Body weight: May be more effective than levonorgestrel for individuals weighing over 165 lbs
• Price: $40-65 with a prescription
• Requires a prescription — available through telehealth services, Planned Parenthood, or your regular healthcare provider

Important: Do not take Ella and levonorgestrel together. They can interfere with each other's effectiveness.

Ella is an excellent alternative if it's been more than 48 hours since unprotected intercourse or if body weight is a concern. Many telehealth platforms can provide a prescription within hours.

Alternative 4: Copper IUD (Paragard)

The Paragard copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception available:

• How it works: The copper creates an environment that is toxic to sperm and prevents fertilization. It can also prevent implantation.
• Effectiveness: Over 99% effective as emergency contraception
• Time window: Must be inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse
• Bonus: Once inserted, it provides continuous contraception for up to 10 years
• Cost: $0 with most insurance plans; $500-1,000+ without insurance (but may be available free at Title X clinics)
• Requires a provider visit for insertion

If you have time to see a healthcare provider within the 5-day window and want the most effective emergency contraception plus long-term birth control, the copper IUD is hard to beat.

Quick Comparison Chart

Here's how these alternatives stack up:

• Afterpill — Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, ~$25 online, 72-hour window, OTC
• Plan B One-Step — Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, ~$40-50, 72-hour window, OTC
• Generics (Take Action, My Way, etc.) — Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, ~$15-40, 72-hour window, OTC
• Ella — Ulipristal Acetate 30 mg, ~$40-65, 120-hour window, prescription required
• Copper IUD (Paragard) — Non-hormonal, $0-$1,000+, 120-hour window, provider insertion required, 99%+ effective

How to Decide Which Alternative Is Right for You

Consider these factors:

• How much time has passed? If it's been less than 72 hours, any levonorgestrel product works. After 72 hours, choose Ella or a copper IUD.
• What's your body weight? If you weigh over 165 lbs, Ella or the copper IUD may be more effective than levonorgestrel.
• How fast can you get it? OTC levonorgestrel from a local pharmacy is usually fastest. Ella requires a prescription but can be obtained via telehealth.
• What's your budget? Generic levonorgestrel products are the most affordable at $15-40. Insurance may cover Ella or the IUD at no cost with a prescription.
• Do you want ongoing contraception? If so, the copper IUD provides both emergency and long-term contraception.

For help finding the right provider, see our guide on how to find a doctor who can prescribe Afterpill near you.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to find Afterpill doesn't mean you're out of options. The same medication is widely available under other brand names, and alternative emergency contraceptives like Ella and the copper IUD may actually be more effective depending on your situation.

The most important thing is to act quickly. Use Medfinder to find what's available near you, and don't hesitate to ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider for help choosing the best option.

For more information about side effects to watch for, read our post on Afterpill side effects.