NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service
Free pharmacist consultation and supply of oral contraception — both initiation of a new pill (Tier 1) and ongoing supply of an existing pill (Tier 2). Walk-in, confidential, no GP referral needed.
What we can supply
- Combined oral contraceptive (COC) — Microgynon, Rigevidon, Yasmin, Marvelon, Cilest, Loestrin, others depending on suitability.
- Progestogen-only pill (POP / mini-pill) — Cerelle (desogestrel), Cerazette, Norgeston, others.
- Same-day start if you're starting from no contraception — pharmacist will explain when it becomes effective and additional precautions in the first 7 days.
- Switching between pills or from a long-acting method — we can manage this safely.
Tier 1 — Initiation (starting a new pill)
If you've never taken oral contraception before, or you're starting again after a gap, we can:
- Confidential consultation in our consultation room — 20 minutes — covering your medical history, family history (especially clots, migraines, breast cancer), blood pressure, BMI, current medicines, plans for pregnancy.
- Discuss the options — COC, POP, long-acting alternatives (we can signpost to NHS Leeds for LARC).
- Supply a starting pack if appropriate — typically 3-6 months.
- Follow-up at 6 weeks — by phone or in person to check tolerability and BP.
Tier 2 — Ongoing supply
If you're already on a pill (started by your GP or sexual health clinic), we can supply ongoing — no GP appointment needed:
- BP check every 12 months for COC users — required under the NICE pathway.
- Annual review consultation — quick health check, any new conditions or medicines that change suitability.
- 3-12 month supply per visit depending on the medicine.
- We notify your GP through NHS systems so your record stays joined-up.
How to come in
- Walk in any opening hour, or phone 0113 244 1551 to reserve a slot.
- Bring photo ID if you have it (driving licence, passport) — not mandatory, helps with verification.
- Bring your NHS number if you know it.
- If you're already on a pill, bring the empty packet or a photo of it — saves time identifying it.
- Mon-Fri 08:00-20:00, Sat 10:00-15:00, Sun 10:00-17:00.
Need emergency contraception (EHC)? Levonelle and EllaOne are P-medicines — pharmacist consultation needed but we don't supply EHC under the NHS contraception service. Levonelle is most effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex; EllaOne up to 120 hours. Sooner is much better than later. Walk in or phone now.
When the combined pill isn't safe. History of clots (DVT/PE), breast cancer, migraine with aura, uncontrolled high blood pressure, smoker over 35, BMI ≥ 35, recent surgery or immobilisation. Some of these absolutely rule out COC; many can be managed with POP instead. The pharmacist works through this with you using the FSRH UKMEC framework.
Want a long-acting method instead? Coil (IUD/IUS), implant, or injection. These are not supplied via our pharmacy service — but we can signpost you to Leeds Sexual Health (free NHS service) — leedssexualhealth.com or 0113 392 0333.