NHS Service

Contraceptive Pill Supply

Access contraceptive pills directly from your pharmacist — no GP appointment needed. Free through the NHS.

Okus Pharmacy combined oral contraceptive pack and blister strip showing 21 active pills and a 7-day break of placebo pills

Our Contraceptive Pill Supply service lets you obtain hormonal contraception directly from your pharmacist without needing a GP appointment. This service is available free of charge through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service.

We can supply two types of contraceptive pill:

Combined pill — contains oestrogen and progestogen. Prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and thins the womb lining to prevent pregnancy.
Desogestrel-only pill (mini pill) — contains only progestogen. Ideal for those who cannot take oestrogen, including women with migraines, high blood pressure, a history of blood clots, those who are breastfeeding, and smokers aged 35 and over.

During your consultation, our pharmacist will complete a short health assessment to determine which pill is most suitable for you. The process is quick, confidential, and takes place in our private consultation room.

Key Features

Free NHS service — no prescription charge
No GP appointment needed
Combined pill and desogestrel-only pill available
Quick health assessment by qualified pharmacist
Private consultation room for your comfort

Ready to book?

Schedule your appointment online or give us a call.

Book Appointment 01793 265965

Your options

The two pills we can supply

We can supply two types of oral contraceptive pill. They work in slightly different ways and are taken differently — your pharmacist will help you find the one that suits you.

Combined pill

Oestrogen + progestogen

Contains oestrogen and progestogen, and works mainly by stopping ovulation.
Usually taken as one pill a day for 21 days, then a 7-day break (or inactive pills in a 28-day pack), when you normally have a bleed — then you start the next pack.
Not suitable for everyone — for example if you are over 35 and smoke, get migraines with aura, or have high blood pressure or a history of blood clots.

Desogestrel-only pill (mini pill)

Progestogen only — no oestrogen

Contains only progestogen (no oestrogen).
Taken every day with no break, ideally at around the same time each day.
Often suitable for people who cannot take oestrogen — including those who are breastfeeding, get migraines, have high blood pressure or a history of blood clots, or smoke and are 35 or over.

Taking your pill at a similar time each day helps keep it working. Always follow the instructions that come with your specific brand, as some pills are taken slightly differently.

Your appointment

What happens at your appointment

Your appointment is quick, confidential, and takes place in our private consultation room. During it, our pharmacist will:

Answer a few confidential health questions — your medical history, any migraines, whether you smoke, other medicines, and family history of blood clots
Have your blood pressure (and weight where needed) checked
The pharmacist decides which pill, if any, is suitable for you
If suitable, you’re supplied with your pill and shown how to take it — whether you’re starting the pill or continuing your usual one
If the pill isn’t right for you, we’ll advise you or refer you to your GP or a sexual health service

Good to know

Useful things to know

The pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — use condoms as well if you need STI protection.
The pill is very effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly.
Missed pills, being sick (vomiting), severe diarrhoea, and some medicines can make it less effective — check your patient information leaflet or ask us.
If you already take a pill, bring your details or a repeat slip so we can continue the same brand where it’s still suitable.

When to get medical advice

Contraception is safe for most people. While taking the combined pill, get urgent medical help if you have any of these — they can be signs of a blood clot or stroke:

Pain, swelling or tenderness in one leg
Chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or coughing up blood
A sudden, severe or unusual headache, or a first-time migraine with aura (flashing lights or blind spots)
Sudden weakness or numbness, or problems with your speech or eyesight

Also speak to our pharmacy team if you miss pills, are being sick, start a new medicine, or your health changes. For urgent contraception advice you can also call NHS 111.

If you need it now

Emergency contraception (the morning-after pill)

If you’ve had unprotected sex, or your usual contraception has failed (for example a split condom or missed pills), we can help — and time matters. Emergency contraception is available free of charge for eligible patients through the same NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service, after a quick, confidential chat with our pharmacist — no appointment needed.

Levonorgestrel

Take within 72 hours

A single tablet (for example Levonelle), taken as soon as possible and within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex.

Ulipristal acetate

Take within 120 hours

A single tablet (ellaOne) that can be taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after — useful when the 72-hour window has passed. Our pharmacist will advise which one is right for you.

The sooner you take it, the better it works — please don’t wait.
It’s free for eligible patients — a short, confidential chat with our pharmacist, no appointment needed.
It doesn’t protect you for the rest of your cycle — if you have more unprotected sex you may need it again, and we can help you start regular contraception too.
It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
If you’re sick (vomit) within 2–3 hours of taking it, tell us — you may need another dose.
It can be less effective if you weigh more, so our pharmacist may suggest ulipristal acetate or another option.

The most effective emergency contraception is the copper coil (IUD), which can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex at a sexual health clinic or GP surgery. If that’s the best option for you, we’ll point you in the right direction.

Call us — 01793 265965or pop in during opening hours — the earlier, the better.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Is this service really free?

Yes. Supplying oral contraception through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service is free — there is no prescription charge for the pill supplied under this service.

Do I need a GP appointment?

No. You can come to us directly to start the pill or to continue your usual one, following a short health assessment.

Can I get my usual pill here?

Often yes. If you already take a combined or desogestrel-only pill, we can usually continue it where it remains suitable for you — bring your details or a repeat slip.

Does the pill protect against STIs?

No. The pill only prevents pregnancy. Use condoms as well if you need protection from sexually transmitted infections.

What should I do if I miss a pill?

What to do depends on which pill you take and how many you’ve missed. Check the instructions in your patient information leaflet, or speak to our pharmacy team — we’re happy to advise.

Can I get the morning-after pill here?

Yes. Emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) is available free of charge for eligible patients through the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service — a quick, confidential chat with our pharmacist, no appointment needed. It works best the sooner it’s taken, so please get in touch or pop in as early as you can.

Written and clinically reviewed by Tanvir Ali, MPharm — Superintendent Pharmacist & Owner. Okus Pharmacy & Health Clinic is a GPhC-registered pharmacy. Meet our pharmacist.

Last reviewed: August 2026. This page provides general health information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice — please speak to our pharmacist about your individual circumstances.

Other Services

Private