What Is Afterpill? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

What Is Afterpill?

Afterpill is a brand of emergency contraception containing Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, a synthetic progestin. It's designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure — such as a broken condom, missed birth control pills, or unprotected sex.

Afterpill belongs to the same class of medications as Plan B One-Step, Take Action, and My Way. What sets Afterpill apart is its pricing model: it's sold directly through AfterPill.com for approximately $20 plus $5 shipping — significantly cheaper than the $40–$50 that most emergency contraceptives cost at retail pharmacies.

Afterpill is manufactured by Syzygy Healthcare Solutions and distributed by HRA Pharma concepts. It is not a controlled substance and is available over the counter to all ages without a prescription or ID.

What Is Afterpill Used For?

Afterpill has one approved indication:

• Emergency contraception — to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, when taken within 72 hours (3 days)

It is sometimes used beyond the 72-hour window (up to 120 hours or 5 days), though effectiveness decreases with time. For the 72–120 hour window, Ella (Ulipristal Acetate) is generally preferred as it maintains better efficacy during that later window.

Important: Afterpill is not an abortion pill. It prevents pregnancy — it does not terminate an established pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, Afterpill will not work.

How Does Afterpill Work?

Afterpill works primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation — the release of an egg from the ovary. Without ovulation, there is no egg available for sperm to fertilize, and pregnancy cannot occur.

It may also alter the uterine lining to reduce the likelihood of implantation, though this is considered a secondary mechanism.

For a more detailed explanation, read our guide on how Afterpill works.

How to Take Afterpill

Taking Afterpill is straightforward:

1. Swallow one tablet whole with or without food
2. Take it as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse — the sooner, the better
3. Ideally within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex

Key dosage information:

• Dose: One 1.5 mg Levonorgestrel tablet (single dose)
• Frequency: One-time use per incident. Can be used more than once, but is not intended for routine contraception.
• With food: Not required, but eating a small snack may help reduce nausea.
• If you vomit: If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking the tablet, contact a healthcare provider — you may need to take another dose.

How Effective Is Afterpill?

Afterpill's effectiveness depends heavily on when you take it:

• Within 24 hours: Up to 95% effective at preventing pregnancy
• 24–48 hours: About 85% effective
• 48–72 hours: About 58% effective

These numbers underscore why timing is critical. The sooner you take Afterpill after unprotected intercourse, the more likely it is to work.

Weight Considerations

Research suggests that Afterpill's efficacy may be reduced in individuals weighing over 165 lbs (75 kg) and may not be effective for those over 195 lbs (88 kg). If this applies to you, talk to a healthcare provider about alternatives:

• Ella (Ulipristal Acetate): A prescription emergency contraceptive that may be more effective at higher body weights
• Copper IUD (Paragard): The most effective form of emergency contraception at any weight when inserted within 5 days

Learn more in our guide on alternatives to Afterpill.

Who Can Take Afterpill?

Afterpill is available to anyone of reproductive age. There are very few restrictions:

You CAN take Afterpill if you:

• Are any age (no age restrictions for OTC purchase)
• Are breastfeeding (it is safe during breastfeeding)
• Have taken it before (it can be used multiple times)
• Are on hormonal birth control (it can be used as a backup)

You should NOT take Afterpill if you:

• Are already pregnant (it won't harm you, but it won't work)
• Have a known allergy to Levonorgestrel

Side Effects

Common side effects of Afterpill include:

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Changes in menstrual bleeding (heavier, lighter, or delayed)
• Dizziness
• Breast tenderness

Most side effects are mild and resolve within 1–2 days. For a complete breakdown, including when to seek medical attention, read our detailed guide on Afterpill side effects.

Drug Interactions

Several medications can reduce Afterpill's effectiveness by speeding up its metabolism in the body:

• Barbiturates (Phenobarbital)
• Carbamazepine
• Phenytoin
• Rifampin
• St. John's Wort
• Bosentan, Felbamate, Griseofulvin, Oxcarbazepine, Topiramate

Additionally, do not take Afterpill with Ella (Ulipristal Acetate) — they may interfere with each other's effectiveness.

For the full list, see our guide on Afterpill drug interactions.

How Much Does Afterpill Cost?

Afterpill is one of the most affordable emergency contraceptives available:

• AfterPill.com: ~$20 + $5 shipping
• Other Levonorgestrel brands at pharmacies: $10–$50 depending on brand and retailer
• With insurance (prescription required): $0 under most ACA-compliant plans

For more ways to save, check out our guide on coupons, discounts, and patient assistance for Afterpill.

Where to Get Afterpill

You have several options:

• Online: AfterPill.com (advance provision — plan ahead)
• Retail pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid, and others carry Levonorgestrel EC (may be a different brand name)
• Community health centers: Often available at reduced cost or free
• Planned Parenthood: Provides emergency contraception services

Use MedFinder to find Afterpill or equivalent products in stock near you. You can also check pharmacy stock online — see our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Afterpill without calling.

Afterpill vs. Other Emergency Contraceptives

ProductActive IngredientPrescription Needed?Effective WindowApproximate CostAfterpillLevonorgestrel 1.5 mgNo (OTC)Up to 72 hours$20–$25Plan B One-StepLevonorgestrel 1.5 mgNo (OTC)Up to 72 hours$40–$50EllaUlipristal Acetate 30 mgYesUp to 120 hours$40–$65Copper IUD (Paragard)CopperYes (provider insertion)Up to 120 hours$0–$1,300 (often covered by insurance)

Frequently Misunderstood Facts About Afterpill

• Afterpill is NOT an abortion pill. It prevents pregnancy; it does not end one.
• It does NOT require a prescription. It's available OTC to all ages.
• It does NOT affect future fertility. You can become pregnant in your next cycle.
• It is NOT the same as RU-486 (Mifepristone). These are completely different medications.

The Bottom Line

Afterpill is an affordable, accessible, and effective emergency contraceptive when used within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. It's available without a prescription, safe for most people, and carries only mild, temporary side effects.

The most important thing to remember: take it as soon as possible. Every hour counts.

For more resources, explore our guides on finding Afterpill in stock, finding a doctor, and the current shortage status in 2026.