Everything you need to know about Afterpill in 2026: what it is, how to take it, dosage, effectiveness, cost, and where to find it.
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.
Afterpill has one approved indication:
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.
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.
Taking Afterpill is straightforward:
Key dosage information:
Afterpill's effectiveness depends heavily on when you take it:
These numbers underscore why timing is critical. The sooner you take Afterpill after unprotected intercourse, the more likely it is to work.
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:
Learn more in our guide on alternatives to Afterpill.
Afterpill is available to anyone of reproductive age. There are very few restrictions:
You CAN take Afterpill if you:
You should NOT take Afterpill if you:
Common side effects of Afterpill include:
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.
Several medications can reduce Afterpill's effectiveness by speeding up its metabolism in the body:
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.
Afterpill is one of the most affordable emergency contraceptives available:
For more ways to save, check out our guide on coupons, discounts, and patient assistance for Afterpill.
You have several options:
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.
| Product | Active Ingredient | Prescription Needed? | Effective Window | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afterpill | Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg | No (OTC) | Up to 72 hours | $20–$25 |
| Plan B One-Step | Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg | No (OTC) | Up to 72 hours | $40–$50 |
| Ella | Ulipristal Acetate 30 mg | Yes | Up to 120 hours | $40–$65 |
| Copper IUD (Paragard) | Copper | Yes (provider insertion) | Up to 120 hours | $0–$1,300 (often covered by insurance) |
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.
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