Plan B in the United Kingdom: prescription, pharmacy and pricing
Plan B (Levonorgestrel) is available in the United Kingdom under the regulatory framework of MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency). This page summarises how the medication is prescribed and dispensed locally, what insurance or the public system cover, and which options exist for legally and safely accessing Plan B 1.5mg.
- Regulator
- MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
- Currency
- GBP
- Active ingredients
- Levonorgestrel
- Available dosages
- 1.5mg
Prescription status in the United Kingdom
In the UK, most active medications are POM (Prescription-Only Medicines), with a smaller P (pharmacy) tier dispensed at pharmacist discretion and a GSL (general sales) tier for wider retail. NHS prescriptions follow a fixed levy. Plan B contains the active ingredient Levonorgestrel, in the Hormones and Birth Control class, and its classification in the United Kingdom follows the standard rules of MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).
Pharmacy dispensing
Community pharmacies (Boots, Lloyds, independents) play a strong role in primary care, with pharmacist-led consultations and Pharmacy First services for several conditions. The pharmacist is the most reliable local source of information on stock, authorised substitutions (generic vs brand) and specific precautions for Plan B at the available strengths (1.5mg).
Online and tele-prescribing access
GPhC-registered online pharmacies and tele-prescribing platforms are widespread in the UK and provide a regulated path to prescription medication without an in-person visit. Buying Plan B from unauthorised sellers or without local verification exposes the user to counterfeit medication and unmonitored use of Levonorgestrel.
When Plan B is prescribed
Plan B is indicated for emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse or known/suspected contraceptive failure, in women of reproductive age.
Pricing and availability in GBP
Retail pricing in the United Kingdom depends on the strength (1.5mg), whether the original brand or an authorised generic is dispensed, and insurance or public-system coverage. The difference between brand and generic is usually the most meaningful economic lever for ongoing use. Comparing prices at two or more locally authorised pharmacies before first refill is recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription for Plan B in the United Kingdom? ▾
In the UK, most active medications are POM (Prescription-Only Medicines), with a smaller P (pharmacy) tier dispensed at pharmacist discretion and a GSL (general sales) tier for wider retail. NHS prescriptions follow a fixed levy. In practice, Plan B follows the status of its active ingredient Levonorgestrel in the regulatory system of MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).
Is generic Plan B available in the United Kingdom? ▾
Authorised generics of Levonorgestrel are typically available in the United Kingdom at a lower cost than branded Plan B, with bioequivalence required by MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency). Substitution is handled by the pharmacist under local equivalence rules.
How much does Plan B cost in GBP? ▾
Prices in GBP vary by pharmacy and by strength (1.5mg). Authorised generics of Levonorgestrel are usually substantially cheaper than the brand and are the typical economic reference point for ongoing use in the United Kingdom.
Plan B in other countries
- the United StatesFDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- SpainAEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios)
- MexicoCOFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios)
- ArgentinaANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica)
- GermanyBfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte)
- FranceANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé)
- ItalyAIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco)
- BrazilANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
- CanadaHealth Canada
- South KoreaMFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety)
- JapanPMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency)
- AustriaBASG (Federal Office for Safety in Health Care)
- SwitzerlandSwissmedic (Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products)
- AustraliaTGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration)
- ColombiaInvima (National Food and Drug Surveillance Institute)
- ChileISP (Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Public Health Institute)
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.