Contraceptive Pill in Ireland:

Contraception is an important issue for many people in Ireland, and one of the most popular methods used is the contraceptive pill. However, many people have questions about the cost and availability of the pill in Ireland. Here, we’re going to explore some of the most frequently asked questions about the contraceptive pill in Ireland.

What Is The Contraceptive Pill?

The contraceptive pill is a hormonal method of birth control (contraception) that prevents pregnancy by causing a combination of changes; stopping ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary), thickening the mucus at the neck of the womb, and thinning the lining of the womb.

There are many different types of contraceptive pills available, and they come in various doses and combinations of hormones. Some pills contain only progesterone, while others contain a combination of both oestrogen and progesterone. Your doctor can help you choose the type of pill that is best for you.

Is The Contraceptive Pill Available Over The Counter In Ireland?

No, the contraceptive pill is not available over the counter in Ireland. You will need a prescription from a doctor to obtain the pill.

You can get this prescription by visiting your local GP, a local sexual health service, or you can request a prescription online through our online prescription service. You can find more information on how this works on our Contraceptive Pill, Patch & Ring Treatment page.

Alternatively, if it is your first time requesting a prescription for the contraceptive pill, patch or ring and you’re not sure which option would be best for you, you can speak directly to a GP via our online video consultation service. There, our experienced GPs can help you choose the right contraceptive for you, your body, and your lifestyle.

Can I Get A Repeat Prescription For The Contraceptive Pill In Ireland?

Yes, if you have been prescribed the contraceptive pill before, you can get a repeat prescription from your doctor. As mentioned above, you can do this by visiting your local GP or sexual health service, or you can request a prescription through our convenient online prescription service.

Please be aware, we can only issue prescriptions for pills that are available and licensed in Ireland.

How Much Does The Contraceptive Pill Cost In Ireland?

The cost of the contraceptive pill in Ireland varies depending on the type of pill, the brand and the pharmacy that you go to.

On average, the cost of the contraceptive pill in Ireland is around €10 – €30 per month. Although, this can vary depending on the type of pill and where you purchase it.

Where Can I Buy The Contraceptive Pill In Ireland?

The contraceptive pill can be purchased at most pharmacies in Ireland, provided you have a valid prescription from your GP or family planning clinic.

When picking up your contraceptive pill in your chosen pharmacy, you can get one month at a time and ask your pharmacist to keep your prescription on file. Then, when you need to collect your pill the following month, you can call ahead and they will have it ready for you.

Alternatively, you can ask your pharmacy to prepare all 6 months of your prescription so you can collect the 6 packets together. This often works out cheaper as you will only need to pay the dispensary fee once. You may also want to do this if you are using a tailored-pill taking method and you will need to take 3 or more packs together consecutively. Collecting all 6 packs together means that you are less likely to run out and you can ensure you continue to take your pill at the same time each day.

What Is The Cheapest Contraceptive Pill In Ireland?

The cost of the birth control pill (contraceptive pill) in Ireland can vary depending on the type and brand of pill and where you purchase it. However, some of the cheapest options include:

• Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills: Typically costs around €10-€20 per month.
• Progesterone-Only Oral Contraceptive Pills: Typically costs around €10-€15 per month.

It is important to note that the cheapest option may not always be the best option for you. If it is your first time requesting a prescription for hormonal contraception, you should always speak to your doctor first. There, you can get advice based on your individual needs.

Where Can I Get a Prescription for the contraceptive pill, patch or ring?

You can easily request a prescription for contraception via Webdoctor.ie’s online prescription service. Through this service, you can request prescriptions for other 20 different types of contraceptive pills, patches and rings. To request a prescription, you just need to fill in a short and secure questionnaire. Then, one of our Irish-registered doctors will review your request to make sure it is safe and suitable for you. Once approved, we’ll send your prescription to a pharmacy of your choice.

There’s no need to make an appointment with a GP unless it is your first time seeking a prescription for contraception. If this is the case, you can book an online video consultation with one of our experienced GPs. There, we can help you find the right form of contraception for you!