Emergency Contraception (P2): Facts, Timing & What to Expect
How emergency contraceptive pills work, how soon to take them, common side effects, and what it means if your period is late afterwards.
Pharmacist's Note
Information below supports education and safer decision-making but does not replace one-on-one clinical advice.
Emergency contraception — widely known in Kenya as P2 — is one of the most commonly asked-about medicines at our pharmacy, yet it is surrounded by myths. Here are the facts, explained the same way our pharmacists explain them in person: confidentially and without judgement.
How it works and when to take it
Emergency contraceptive pills containing levonorgestrel work mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation, so sperm and egg never meet. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex — ideally within 24 hours — and can be used up to 72 hours (3 days) after. They do not end an existing pregnancy and will not harm one that has already implanted.
Common side effects
Most women experience no or only mild side effects: nausea, tiredness, headache, breast tenderness, or light spotting for a day or two. If you vomit within two to three hours of taking the pill, the dose may not have absorbed — come back to the pharmacy for advice, as you may need to repeat it.
Period late after taking P2?
Emergency contraception commonly shifts your next period: it can arrive up to a week earlier or a week later than expected, and may be lighter or heavier than usual. This is a normal hormonal effect and usually settles by the following cycle. However, if your period is more than seven days late, take a pregnancy test — available at our pharmacy — because no emergency contraceptive is 100% effective.
Important things to know
P2 is intended for emergencies, not as a regular family-planning method — it is less effective than routine contraception and using it often makes cycles unpredictable. It also offers no protection against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections; if you may have been exposed, ask about testing (we stock confidential HIV self-test kits).
For ongoing protection, we offer confidential family-planning counselling at Sadima Pharmacy in Kahawa Wendani — walk in any time during opening hours or message us on WhatsApp. If you experience severe abdominal pain after taking emergency contraception, seek medical care promptly.
Safety Reminder
Always check for interactions with your current medication and underlying conditions before starting a new supplement. Visit or message Sadima Pharmacy for personalized guidance.