Top Brands for Morning-After Pills You Can Trust

Navigating the options for emergency contraception can be daunting, but having access to reliable information is crucial. Over the years, several brands have established themselves as trusted names for the morning after pill, offering effective solutions to prevent unintended pregnancies after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. When choosing the right product, factors such as accessibility, mechanism of action, and personal health considerations play significant roles. Below, we invite you to explore a comprehensive list of the best brands for the morning after pill, ensuring that you have the necessary information to make an informed decision.

Illustration of morning after pill

Best brands of morning after pill in 2025

Plan B One-Step

Plan B One-Step, a leading brand in emergency contraception, provides a single-dose levonorgestrel pill that is 75-89% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, though it can still be used up to 5 days after, with decreasing effectiveness; this morning-after pill works by delaying ovulation and was FDA-approved for over-the-counter sales without age restrictions in 2013, making it widely accessible. Unlike older two-dose regimens, Plan B One-Step contains 1.5mg of levonorgestrel in one tablet; it's important to remember that Plan B One-Step is not for regular use and should not be used as a primary birth control method. Despite being called "morning-after pill", you do not have to wait until the next day to take it, it should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex for better effectiveness.

Ella

Ella is a highly effective morning-after pill, reducing the chance of pregnancy by 85% when taken within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex, and it is considered more effective than other emergency contraceptives, especially for those weighing over 165 pounds, though its effectiveness may decrease for individuals over 195 pounds; it works by delaying ovulation, and should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Studies in 2010 showed Ella to be 2.5x more effective than levonorgestrel-based emergency contraception when taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. For more detailed information about the product, visit the Ella official website.

My Way

My Way is a highly effective emergency contraceptive pill, with studies showing it can reduce the chance of pregnancy by approximately 84% when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, and if taken within 24 hours, it can be up to 95% effective. It works by preventing ovulation or fertilization; however, its effectiveness decreases to around 58% when taken between 49-72 hours. It is available over-the-counter without a prescription and should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex but no more than 72 hours. This method is not intended for regular birth control and does not protect against STIs. For more information, visit the official website.

Take Action

Take Action is a leading brand in emergency contraception, offering a single-dose pill containing levonorgestrel, which, when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, can reduce the risk of pregnancy by 75-89%, with effectiveness decreasing after 24 hours, yet still usable up to 5 days, but it is not effective if a woman weighs over 165 lbs and does not protect against STIs. This pill works by preventing ovulation and is available at retailers like CVS and Walmart. The sooner you take the pill, the more effective it is, and it should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. You can find more information about the Take Action emergency contraceptive.

AfterPill

AfterPill, a leading brand in emergency contraception, provides a levonorgestrel tablet that is most effective when taken within 72 hours, with studies showing effectiveness rates between 81-90%. This product contains the same active ingredient as Plan B, and it is available online for a reduced cost, offering women a discreet and affordable option since its release as a single-dose pill. It works mainly by preventing ovulation and should not be used as regular birth control. The morning-after pill was first introduced in 1984 and has become more accessible over the years.

EContra EZ

EContra EZ, a levonorgestrel-based morning-after pill manufactured by Afaxys Pharma, is a highly effective emergency contraceptive, with an 81-95% success rate when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. However, its effectiveness decreases after this time and may be reduced for individuals with a BMI over 25. The pill provides a single 1.5mg dose to prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation, and there is the option to immediately resume or begin regular birth control afterwards. It's readily available over-the-counter without a prescription, offering a convenient option for those needing emergency contraception. For more information about EContra One-Step, a similar product, visit their website.

Option 2

Option 2 is a brand of levonorgestrel morning-after pill that can lower the chance of pregnancy by 75-89% when taken within 3 days after unprotected sex, though it can be taken up to 5 days, with decreasing effectiveness; its effectiveness may be reduced for individuals weighing over 165 pounds. Studies show that levonorgestrel morning-after pills, like Option 2, are most effective when taken within the first 24 hours after intercourse, decreasing in effectiveness to around 58% after 72 hours and it reduces the risk of pregnancy from approximately 8% to 1%. You can find more information about the product here.

React

React is a well-known brand providing emergency contraception, also known as the morning-after pill, with its levonorgestrel tablet designed to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex and is most effective when taken within 12 hours where the effectiveness can be as high as 98%. It may still be effective up to 5 days, with an effectiveness rate of 87% to 90% if taken within 72 hours, and works by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg. While side effects are possible, such as nausea and changes in menstruation, it is a safe option to prevent pregnancy and it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional if vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking the pill.

Levonelle

Levonelle, a well-known brand for the morning-after pill, is a reliable option for emergency contraception, containing levonorgestrel, and is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Studies show it can prevent up to 95% of pregnancies when taken within 24 hours, decreasing to 85% within 48 hours and 58% within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. Available in the UK since 2000, Levonelle is an accessible choice for individuals seeking effective emergency contraception. For more information, visit their official website.

Alysena

Alysena, a brand offering both 21 and 28-day oral contraceptive pills containing 100 mcg of levonorgestrel and 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, is highly effective at over 99% in preventing pregnancy when taken as directed by inhibiting ovulation and altering cervical mucus, but it is not a morning-after pill; Alysena is also used to treat moderate acne in women 14 years and older. It's crucial to adhere to the prescribed regimen, taking one pill daily at the same time, and if starting after day 1 of the menstrual cycle, using a non-hormonal backup for the first 7 days. A packaging issue in 2013 and chipped pills in 2018 led to recalls, emphasizing the need to visually inspect each pill before consumption. For more details on Alysena, you can visit their official website.