Emergency contraceptive availability
by country
The following is a list of countries that allow
access to dedicated-purpose emergency con-
traceptive pills.
Europe
Finland
The Yuzpe regimen was introduced under the
name Neoprimavlar in 1987.
In 2002 levonorgestrel-only EC (NorLevo 750
µg) became available over-the-counter in
pharmacies. Only restrictions are that it can-
not be administered to under 15 year-olds
and only single package can be purchased at
a time.[1]
Recently NorLevo 750 µg as a two-dose pack-
age has stepped aside from the NorLevo 1,5
mg single-dose package.
France
NorLevo, a two-dose progestin-only treat-
ment, was approved in 1999, with nonpre-
scription, pharmacy access. (France does not
have an over-the-counter status equivalent.)
In December 2000, public and parochial high
school nurses were authorized to dispense
EC. [2]
Italy
In Italy EC is available in pharmacies and
hospitals,
but
it
requires
medical
prescription.
Ireland
In Ireland it is available without restriction,
but is not available over-the counter and re-
quires a visit to a doctor or family-planning
clinic.[3]
Netherlands
Since January 2005, levonorgestrel-only EC
(NorLevo 1.5 mg) has been available over-
the-counter without a prescription in phar-
macies and drug stores.
Norway
NorLevo is available over-the-counter.
Romania
In Romania EC is available only in pharma-
cies and it legally requires a medical pre-
scription,[4] but it is relatively easy to buy it
without such a document.
Russia
In Russia EC formally requires prescription,
but de-facto is sold in pharmacies over-the-
counter.
Bulgaria
In
Bulgaria
levonorgestrel-only
EC
(Escapelle)
is available over-the counter
without a prescription in pharmacies.
Slovakia
In Slovakia lenorvogestel-only EC (Escapelle)
is available over-the-counter without a pre-
scription in pharmacies.
Spain
In Spain it is available without restriction,
but is not available over-the counter and re-
quires a visit to a doctor. Nevertheless, re-
cently the Spanish Government approved a
measure to mak