Struggling to find Afterpill? Learn why this affordable emergency contraceptive can be hard to locate and what you can do to get it when you need it most.
You need emergency contraception, and you've heard that Afterpill is one of the most affordable options out there. But when you go looking for it, you can't seem to find it at your local pharmacy. What gives?
You're not imagining things. Afterpill can genuinely be harder to track down than other emergency contraceptives like Plan B One-Step or Take Action. But there are good reasons for that — and more importantly, there are real solutions.
In this guide, we'll explain exactly why Afterpill is so hard to find in 2026, what makes it different from other morning-after pills, and what steps you can take to get it (or an equally effective alternative) as quickly as possible.
Afterpill is an emergency contraceptive pill that contains Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg — the same active ingredient found in Plan B One-Step, Take Action, My Way, and other morning-after pills. It works by delaying or preventing ovulation, which stops a pregnancy from starting.
Like all levonorgestrel emergency contraceptives, Afterpill is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours (3 days). It is available over the counter without a prescription or age restriction.
What makes Afterpill stand out is its price. While Plan B One-Step typically costs $40 to $50 at a retail pharmacy, Afterpill is sold for approximately $20 plus $5 shipping through its website, AfterPill.com. That price difference makes it a popular choice — and a frequent target for searches.
To learn more about how this medication works, check out our guide on how Afterpill works.
There are several reasons why Afterpill can be difficult to locate, especially when you need it quickly.
Unlike Plan B One-Step or Take Action, which you can pick up at most CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart locations, Afterpill is primarily sold through its own website — AfterPill.com. This online-first model keeps the price low, but it also means you won't find it sitting on a pharmacy shelf.
If you're in an urgent situation and need emergency contraception right now, the shipping time (even expedited) may not work for you. That's the biggest tradeoff with Afterpill's affordable pricing.
Since the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court decision, demand for emergency contraceptives has surged across the country. Many people have been stocking up on morning-after pills as a precaution, which has led to intermittent supply issues — not just for Afterpill, but for levonorgestrel products across the board.
Some major retailers even placed temporary purchase limits on Plan B and generic alternatives during peak demand periods. While supply has largely stabilized by 2026, periodic stockouts at individual pharmacies still happen.
The emergency contraception market has a lot of brand names for the same active ingredient. Afterpill, Plan B One-Step, Take Action, My Way, EContra One-Step, Option 2, New Day, React — they're all Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg.
If you walk into a pharmacy asking specifically for "Afterpill," the pharmacist may not carry that specific brand but may have an identical product under a different name. The confusion can make it feel like the drug is unavailable when a perfectly equivalent option is right there on the shelf.
While levonorgestrel emergency contraceptives are federally approved for OTC sale to all ages, some states have introduced legislation that can create barriers to access. Pharmacy policies, age verification practices, and even individual pharmacist refusal laws in some states can make it harder to buy emergency contraception in person.
These barriers don't specifically target Afterpill, but they affect the entire category of emergency contraceptives and add to the feeling that these products are "hard to find."
The good news is that you have several practical options, whether you need emergency contraception right now or want to have it on hand for the future.
Afterpill's entire model is built around advance provision — buying it before you need it. For about $25 total (including shipping), you can have a dose delivered to your door and keep it in your medicine cabinet. Levonorgestrel has a long shelf life, so it will be ready when and if you ever need it.
If you need emergency contraception today, use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have levonorgestrel products in stock. You may not find the Afterpill brand specifically, but you can find identical alternatives like Take Action or My Way — often the same day.
For more tips on locating emergency contraception nearby, read our guide on how to find Afterpill in stock near you.
Big chain pharmacies sometimes run out of popular products faster. Independent and community pharmacies may have better availability and can sometimes order products for same-day or next-day pickup.
If more than 72 hours have passed since unprotected intercourse, or if you weigh over 165 lbs, ask a healthcare provider about Ella (Ulipristal Acetate). It's effective for up to 5 days and may work better for some individuals. Ella does require a prescription, but many telehealth services can provide one quickly. See our alternatives to Afterpill guide for more options.
Planned Parenthood locations, Title X clinics, and community health centers often provide emergency contraception at reduced cost or even free, regardless of insurance status.
Afterpill is hard to find mainly because of its online-only distribution model — not because of a shortage or safety issue. The medication itself, Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, is widely available under many brand names at pharmacies across the country.
If you're looking for the most affordable option and can plan ahead, ordering from AfterPill.com is a smart move. If you need it now, tools like Medfinder can help you find an equivalent product nearby.
Whatever your situation, the most important thing is to act quickly — levonorgestrel works best when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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