Escapelle Pill: How It Works, When to Take It & Side Effects
Escapelle is a single-dose emergency contraceptive pill containing 1.5 mg levonorgestrel. Take it as soon as possible, and within 72 hours (3 days), after unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure such as a split condom or missed pills. It works mainly by delaying ovulation, so the sooner it is taken, the better it works. It is not an abortion pill and will not affect an existing pregnancy.
Quick answer
- What it is: emergency contraception, one tablet of levonorgestrel 1.5 mg
- When to take: as soon as possible, within 72 hours of unprotected sex
- How it works: delays or prevents the release of an egg
- Abortion pill? No. It does not end a pregnancy that has already started
- Common side effects: nausea, headache, tiredness, lower abdominal pain, spotting and a change in the timing of your next period
- Take a pregnancy test if: your period is more than 5 days late, or unusually light or heavy
This guide explains how Escapelle works, how to take it correctly, what to expect afterwards and when to speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
What is Escapelle?
Escapelle is an emergency contraceptive pill made by Gedeon Richter. Each pack contains one tablet of levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone.
It is designed for occasional use when regular contraception was not used or may have failed, for example:
- Sex without a condom or other contraception
- A condom that split, slipped or came off
- Missed or late combined or progestogen-only pills
- Vomiting or severe diarrhoea while on the pill
- A late contraceptive injection
Escapelle is not meant to replace a regular method of contraception, and it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
How does Escapelle prevent pregnancy?
Escapelle works mainly by stopping or delaying ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary. Sperm can survive in the body for up to 5 days. If no egg is released during that time, the sperm cannot fertilise one.
This is why timing matters. Escapelle is effective only if it is taken before ovulation happens. If you have already ovulated, it is unlikely to work, and a copper IUD fitted by a doctor may be a better option.
Escapelle does not:
- End a pregnancy that has already implanted
- Harm a developing pregnancy if taken by mistake
- Protect you from pregnancy for the rest of your cycle
- Affect your long-term fertility
When should you take Escapelle?
Take Escapelle as soon as possible, and no later than 72 hours after unprotected sex. Its effectiveness drops the longer you wait, so do not delay until the next day if you can take it now.
How to take it
- Swallow the one tablet whole with water. It can be taken with or without food.
- Take it at any point in your menstrual cycle, unless your period is already late.
- If you vomit within 3 hours of taking it, the tablet may not have been absorbed. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor promptly, as you may need another dose.
- Continue your regular contraceptive pill as usual, and use condoms until your next period.
If it has been more than 72 hours
Escapelle is not licensed for use after 72 hours. Speak to a doctor about other options, such as an ulipristal acetate emergency pill (up to 120 hours) or a copper IUD (up to 5 days).
Is Escapelle an abortion pill?
No. Escapelle is emergency contraception, not an abortion pill. It acts before pregnancy begins, by preventing or delaying ovulation.
A pregnancy begins when a fertilised egg implants in the lining of the womb. Escapelle does not interrupt implantation that has already happened and does not end a pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, taking Escapelle will not cause a miscarriage.
Abortion medicines work in a completely different way and are only available under strict medical supervision. They are not related to Escapelle.
Does Escapelle have side effects?
Yes, but most are mild and pass within a few days. Not everyone gets them.
| How common | Side effects |
|---|---|
| Very common (more than 1 in 10) | Nausea, lower abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, tiredness, spotting or bleeding before your next period |
| Common (up to 1 in 10) | Vomiting, diarrhoea, breast tenderness, a period that is early, late or heavier than usual |
| Rare | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, pelvic pain, painful periods |
When to see a doctor
Seek medical advice promptly if you have:
- Severe or persistent pain in the lower abdomen, especially on one side, which can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Heavy bleeding that does not settle
- Vomiting within 3 hours of taking the tablet
What to expect after taking Escapelle
Most women get their next period around the expected time, though it may come a few days early or late. Spotting or light bleeding in the days after taking the pill is common and is not a period.
Take a pregnancy test if:
- Your period is more than 5 days late
- Your period is unusually light or heavy
- You have any symptoms of pregnancy
A home pregnancy test is reliable from about 3 weeks after the unprotected sex. Testing earlier may give a false negative result.
Escapelle only protects against sex that happened before you took it. If you have unprotected sex again later in the same cycle, you can become pregnant. Use condoms until your next period, and speak to a doctor about a regular method of contraception.
Can you still get pregnant after taking Escapelle?
Yes, it is possible. Escapelle prevents most, but not all, expected pregnancies. Clinical data in the product information show it prevents around 84% of pregnancies that would otherwise have occurred, with effectiveness highest when taken early.
The chance of it not working is higher if:
- It is taken later within the 72-hour window
- Ovulation has already happened
- You vomit within 3 hours of taking it
- You have unprotected sex again after taking it in the same cycle
- You take certain medicines that speed up how the body breaks down levonorgestrel (see below)
- You have a higher body weight or BMI, which some studies link to reduced effectiveness
If any of these apply, speak to a doctor or pharmacist. A copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception and is not affected by body weight or medicines.
Who should speak to a doctor or pharmacist first?
Escapelle is suitable for most women, including those who cannot take oestrogen. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:
- Are allergic to levonorgestrel or any ingredient in the tablet
- Have severe liver disease
- Have a condition that affects absorption, such as severe Crohn’s disease
- Have had an ectopic pregnancy or pelvic infection
- Have a rare hereditary problem with galactose or lactose (the tablet contains lactose)
- Are breastfeeding. Small amounts pass into breast milk, so taking the tablet straight after a feed is usually advised
Medicines that can reduce its effect
Some medicines can make Escapelle less effective if you have taken them within the last 4 weeks, including:
- Certain epilepsy medicines, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital
- Some HIV medicines, such as efavirenz and ritonavir
- Rifampicin and rifabutin for tuberculosis
- Herbal remedies containing St John’s Wort
If you take any of these, a pharmacist or doctor can advise on the right dose or another option. Always share your full list of medicines during your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How long after sex can I take Escapelle?
Up to 72 hours (3 days). It works best when taken as early as possible within that window.
How do I know if Escapelle worked?
The clearest sign is your next period arriving on time or within a few days of it. If it is more than 5 days late, take a pregnancy test.
Is bleeding after Escapelle normal?
Yes. Spotting or light bleeding in the days after taking it is a common side effect. It does not mean the pill has or has not worked.
Can I take Escapelle more than once in a cycle?
It can be taken again if needed, but it is not intended for repeated use. Frequent use can disrupt your cycle. A regular method of contraception is more effective and more reliable.
Does Escapelle affect future fertility?
No. Escapelle does not affect your ability to get pregnant in future cycles.
Can I drink alcohol after taking Escapelle?
Alcohol does not reduce its effectiveness. However, drinking may increase nausea or the risk of vomiting, which can affect absorption.
Does Escapelle protect against STIs?
No. Only condoms help protect against sexually transmitted infections.
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