Our Emergency Contraception Service is designed with your wellbeing in mind. Whether your usual contraception failed or wasn’t used, we offer fast access to emergency options that can help prevent unplanned pregnancy. Most importantly, we provide a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where your health and privacy come first.
Visit our Emergency Contraception page to learn more or book your consultation online today.
Emergency contraception (EC) is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Common scenarios include:
A condom splitting or slipping off
Missing your regular contraceptive pill
Not using any form of contraception
At Riverview Pharmacy, we provide emergency contraceptive pills directly from our pharmacy without the need for a GP appointment. Our team will guide you through your options and provide everything you need — quickly and confidentially.
We pride ourselves on being a trusted part of the northeast community, offering more than just prescriptions. Our services are designed to support your health and wellbeing at every stage — including when the unexpected happens. We support people from across the region in our modern pharmacy in Sunderland, from South Shields to Seaham and Gateshead to Durham.
Here's why patients choose our Emergency Contraception Service:
✅ No appointment needed – We offer walk-in access where possible, and our team will see you quickly.
✅ Private and professional – All consultations are carried out in a private consultation room by a qualified pharmacist.
✅ Judgement-free care – We know how stressful these situations can be. Our team are here to help and support, not to judge.
✅ Free for eligible patients – Emergency contraception may be available free of charge, depending on your circumstances. We’ll advise you during your consultation.
✅ Open weekends and evenings – Check our opening hours to see when we’re available — we’re here when many other providers aren’t.
The effectiveness of emergency contraception depends on how soon it’s taken after unprotected sex.
Levonorgestrel (Levonelle) should be taken within 72 hours (3 days), but the sooner the better.
Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, and is often more effective.
The copper IUD can also be used up to 5 days after, but this needs to be fitted by a specialist sexual health service and we can’t help with this option.
When you come to Riverview Pharmacy, we’ll ask a few brief questions to decide which option is best for you. Then we’ll dispense the right medication, or direct you to the most appropriate care.
Don’t delay — visit our emergency contraception page for full details or to make a booking.
Worried about what to expect? Our goal is to keep things simple and supportive.
When you arrive at our pharmacy:
You’ll be welcomed by a friendly member of staff.
We’ll invite you to our private consultation room for a quick chat with one of our experienced pharmacists.
You’ll be asked a few questions about your health, menstrual cycle, and what happened.
Based on your answers, we’ll recommend the most suitable emergency contraceptive option.
If appropriate, we’ll supply the pill straight away.
The whole process usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes and remains entirely private & confidential.
At Riverview Pharmacy, confidentiality is guaranteed. Whether you’re visiting us for emergency contraception or any other service, your privacy is our top priority. We follow strict NHS and GPhC guidelines to ensure your consultation is discreet and respectful.
Emergency contraception is only one part of a broader conversation about your reproductive health. After your consultation, we can also help you explore longer-term contraception options such as the pill, patch, injection, or implant.
We also provide a wide range of NHS and private services, including:
Period Delay, Vitamin B12 service and many more
Feel free to ask us about these during your visit — or explore our full list of services.
Our team at Riverview Pharmacy are proud to serve the surrounding community with accessible, expert care. We’re committed to helping you make informed choices about your health — including when things don’t go quite to plan.
For emergency contraception, you don’t need to wait days for a GP appointment. You don’t need to feel embarrassed. And you certainly don’t need to go through it alone.
We’re here for you — with compassion, discretion, and same-day support.
Whether you need emergency contraception now or just want to know your options, we’re here to help.
📍 Visit us in person at our Riverview or Esh Winning pharmacy
📞 Call us for advice
🌐 Book online or learn more
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Emergency situations are never easy — but access to expert care can be
Whether you’re picking up prescriptions, exploring our wide range of over-the-counter products, or seeking guidance on specific conditions, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
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