Costs & Charges
ellaOne vs Levonelle — which is better?
By Kaiser Khan · Updated 12 August 2026
Which pill has the longer window — ellaOne or Levonelle?
Both reduce pregnancy risk after unprotected sex; effectiveness falls with time, so earlier is better. ellaOne (ulipristal acetate) is licensed for use up to 120 hours (five days). Levonelle (levonorgestrel) is usually for use within 72 hours (three days). A copper IUD fitted in a sexual-health clinic or GP service is more effective than either pill and can be fitted up to five days after unprotected sex, or up to five days after the earliest likely ovulation — a clinician confirms timing.
This is not a recommendation of one brand. Body weight, other medicines (including some enzyme-inducers), breastfeeding, and how many hours have passed all change which option a pharmacist or clinic will offer. Desk-researched 12 August 2026.
What do they typically cost privately in the UK?
Check free NHS supply before you pay. If you are buying privately from a GPhC-registered pharmacy, Levonelle is usually cheaper; ellaOne may be the licensed option if more than 72 hours have passed. Figures below are editorial typical ranges from our treatment pages — confirm the live price with the pharmacy.
| Medicine | Active ingredient | Usual window | Typical private price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levonelle | Levonorgestrel | Usually within 72 hours | £10–£30 |
| ellaOne | Ulipristal acetate | Up to 120 hours | £25–£40 |
| Copper IUD | Device fitted in clinic | Up to 5 days (clinician confirms) | NHS sexual health / GP — not a pharmacy shelf price |
Who should skip this comparison?
Skip this page if you need a pill today and a pharmacy is still open — go there, or call NHS 111, rather than reading a cost table. Skip it if you want a clinician to choose between pills and a copper IUD. Skip it if you think you might already be pregnant, or you need ongoing contraception advice. Pick My Pharmacy does not sell emergency contraception and cannot tell you which medicine is clinically right for you.
People Also Ask
Can I get either free?
Often yes via NHS emergency contraception schemes at community pharmacies. Ask your local pharmacy or NHS 111 before paying privately.
Is ellaOne always better because the window is longer?
No. The longer window matters if more than 72 hours have passed. Within 72 hours, a pharmacist still chooses based on your circumstances — not on which pack is more expensive.
Is a copper IUD better than either pill?
It is the most effective emergency method when it can be fitted in time. It is a clinic procedure, not a pharmacy-shelf purchase. Ask a sexual-health clinic, GP, or NHS 111 about local access.
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This article is general information for UK patients, not medical advice, and NHS rules and charges change — confirm current rules on nhs.uk or speak to a pharmacist or GP before acting. For urgent medical help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency. Price figures are indicative benchmarks from ourmethodology.