Contraceptive Pill in Holborn, London — from £12.99
Ways Pharmacy offers a pharmacist-led contraceptive pill service at our GPhC-registered pharmacy (premises number 9012227) at 77 Southampton Row, Holborn WC1 — around two minutes' walk from the British Museum. Whether you are starting the pill for the first time, switching, or need a repeat supply, you can start online or visit us in person. A pharmacist checks your health, blood pressure and medicines before supplying any pill, in English or Chinese (中文).
Contraceptive pill service at a glance
| Treatment options | Progestogen-only pills (the "mini pill") and combined pills — pharmacy-licensed desogestrel pills, or prescription-only pills supplied under a Patient Group Direction (PGD) after pharmacist assessment |
|---|---|
| Price | From £12.99 for 1 month · 3-month supplies from £29.99 · no consultation fee · free online assessment, and you only pay once the pharmacist confirms a pill is suitable |
| Who it is for | Women of reproductive age who want oral contraception, whether starting, switching or continuing |
| How it works | Online questionnaire, ID check and a phone or video call with a pharmacist — or a face-to-face consultation at the pharmacy |
| Pharmacist assessment | Medical and family history, smoking, blood pressure and BMI, migraine, current medicines, and which type of pill is safe for you |
| Where and when | 77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET · Monday to Friday, 9:00am–6:00pm |
| Language | English and Chinese (中英文服务) |
Start your free online assessment or call 020 8106 7084.
Treatment options and prices
There are two main types of pill. Progestogen-only pills (POP) contain one hormone, are taken every day with no break, and are suitable for many women who cannot take oestrogen. Combined pills (COC) contain an oestrogen and a progestogen; they need a blood pressure check and are not suitable for everyone. The pharmacist will recommend a pill based on your health and preferences.
Pharmacy medicines (no prescription, pharmacist check required)
| Option | What it is | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hana 75 microgram | Desogestrel progestogen-only pill, reclassified by the MHRA in 2021 so it can be sold by pharmacies after a pharmacist consultation | £12.99 (1 month) · £29.99 (3 months) | Hana |
| Lovima 75 microgram | Desogestrel progestogen-only pill, also available from pharmacies after a pharmacist consultation | £17.99 (1 month) | Lovima |
Prescription-only pills (supplied under PGD after pharmacist assessment)
| Option | What it is | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desogestrel 75 microgram (Cerelle, Cerazette or generic) | Progestogen-only pill, one tablet every day with no break | £19.99 (3 months) | Desogestrel 75 microgram |
| Slynd (drospirenone 4mg) | Progestogen-only pill taken as 24 active and 4 inactive tablets | £34.99 (3 months) | Slynd |
| Microgynon 30 · Rigevidon | Combined pills containing ethinylestradiol 30 micrograms and levonorgestrel | £19.99 (3 months) | Microgynon 30 · Rigevidon |
| Gedarel | Combined pill containing ethinylestradiol and desogestrel | £19.99 (3 months) | Gedarel |
| Eloine · Yasmin | Combined pills containing ethinylestradiol and drospirenone | Eloine £34.99 (3 months), £68.99 (6 months), £129.99 (12 months) · Yasmin £34.99 (3 months) | Can be supplied online if the pharmacist assesses that this pill is suitable for you · Eloine · Yasmin |
A first supply is usually up to 3 months. After a review confirming the pill still suits you, up to 12 months can be supplied at a time.
Who can use this service
- Women of reproductive age who want to start, switch or continue an oral contraceptive pill
- Not pregnant, and no unexplained vaginal bleeding
- For a combined pill: a blood pressure reading taken in the last 3 months is needed, with a photo of the monitor display uploaded with your questionnaire. If you do not have a reading, you can have your blood pressure checked free of charge at the pharmacy. Progestogen-only pills do not need a blood pressure reading.
- If you are 16 or 17, you can consult online on your own — a parent or guardian does not need to be present. If you are under 16, please come to the pharmacy to speak with the pharmacist in private; this service is not available online for under-16s. Young people's confidentiality is respected, in line with national guidance (Fraser guidelines).
Contraception is free on the NHS from GP practices, sexual health clinics and, in England, many pharmacies taking part in the NHS Pharmacy Contraception Service. Ways Pharmacy Holborn is a private pharmacy and does not provide NHS services.
When you should see a GP or get urgent help instead
The pharmacist will not supply a pill through this service, and will suggest another option or refer you, if:
- You are or might be pregnant
- You have had a blood clot (DVT or pulmonary embolism) or have a condition that raises your clot risk
- You have migraine with aura (this rules out combined pills)
- Your blood pressure is raised or not controlled
- You have or have had breast cancer, or have severe liver disease
- You have unexplained bleeding between periods or after sex
- You gave birth less than 6 weeks ago (for combined pills)
- You take medicines that reduce how well the pill works, such as some epilepsy medicines, rifampicin or St John's wort
If you have had unprotected sex or a missed pill problem, emergency contraception may be needed — speak to a pharmacist straight away. Call 999 or go to A&E if you get chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing up blood, a painful swollen leg, or a sudden severe headache or change in vision while taking the pill. For sexual health checks, see our private STI testing page.
How it works
- Start your free online assessment. Answer the health questions online and confirm your identity (upload photo ID, or show it on a video call). If you are asking for a combined pill, include a recent blood pressure reading with a photo of the monitor display.
- The pharmacist reviews your answers and speaks with you by phone or video. The pharmacist checks which type of pill is safe for you and explains how to take it and what to do if you miss a pill.
- If suitable, choose and pay. The pharmacist confirms which treatment is suitable; you then order and pay online (for example Hana), or call 020 8106 7084. If it is not suitable, you pay nothing (or get a full refund if you have already paid) — the pharmacist explains your other options.
- We post your medicine or you collect it. Orders approved by the pharmacist before 3:00pm on a working day are posted the same day — see our shipping information for delivery charges. Or collect from the Holborn pharmacy once your order is approved.
You only pay once the pharmacist confirms a pill is suitable. If you have already paid and the medicine turns out not to be suitable, the pharmacist may suggest another option or give you a full refund.
Why choose Ways Pharmacy
- Progestogen-only and combined pills, with prices shown up front; free online assessment — you only pay once the pharmacist confirms treatment is suitable
- Blood pressure check available at the pharmacy for combined pills
- Consultation in Chinese (中文) or English by a GPhC-registered pharmacist, by phone, video or face to face
- Pharmacy at 77 Southampton Row, near Holborn and Russell Square stations
- Related services: period delay and UTI treatment
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription for the contraceptive pill?
Not for desogestrel pills licensed for pharmacy sale, such as Hana and Lovima, which can be sold after a pharmacist consultation. Other pills, including all combined pills, are prescription-only; we supply these under a PGD after a pharmacist assessment.
What is the difference between the mini pill and the combined pill?
The mini pill (progestogen-only) contains one hormone and is taken every day without a break. The combined pill contains an oestrogen and a progestogen and is usually taken with a regular break or inactive tablets. The combined pill is not suitable for women with certain health conditions, such as migraine with aura or a history of blood clots.
Can I switch from my current pill?
Yes, if the pharmacist assesses that the new pill is suitable. They will explain when to start it and whether you need extra contraception, such as condoms, for a few days.
Why do you need my blood pressure?
Combined pills can raise blood pressure and the risk of blood clots and stroke. A blood pressure reading from the last 3 months, with a photo of the monitor display, is needed before a combined pill is supplied, and is checked again at reviews. You can have it measured free of charge at the pharmacy. Progestogen-only pills do not need a blood pressure reading.
What should I do if I miss a pill?
Follow the patient information leaflet for your pill — the rules differ between pills. If you are unsure, or you have had sex after missing pills, speak to a pharmacist promptly, as you may need emergency contraception.
Does the pill protect against sexually transmitted infections?
No. Condoms help protect against STIs. You can arrange tests through our STI testing service.
Can I use my pill to delay a period?
If you take a combined pill, it is sometimes possible to take packs back to back to delay a period — ask the pharmacist whether this is suitable for your pill. Otherwise see our period delay service.
What are the common side effects?
Nausea, headache, breast tenderness and spotting or bleeding between periods are the most common, especially in the first few months. Serious side effects such as blood clots are rare.
Is this an NHS service?
No. Ways Pharmacy Holborn is a private pharmacy. Contraception is free on the NHS through GP practices, sexual health clinics and participating pharmacies.
Suspected side effects can be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
This page gives factual information about pharmacy services and medicines. Any medicine is supplied only after a pharmacist has assessed that it is suitable for you.
Ways Pharmacy
77 Southampton Row, Holborn, London WC1B 4ET
Telephone: 020 8106 7084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am–6:00pm, closed Saturday and Sunday
Around 2 minutes' walk from the British Museum, near Holborn station
GPhC-registered pharmacy premises: 9012227 · About Ways Pharmacy
