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PhrasesAt the PharmacyAvete la pillola del giorno dopo?
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Avete la pillola del giorno dopo?

Do you have the morning-after pill?

Pronunciation

PIL-lo-la del JOR-no DO-po — stress on first syllable of each major word. 'Dopodomani' is different!

When to use it

Emergency contraception request. The morning-after pill is available without prescription in Italian pharmacies for women aged 18 and over (and minors since 2019).

What it means

'La pillola del giorno dopo' (the morning-after pill) — literally 'the pill of the day after'. The medical name is 'contraccezione d'emergenza'. Brands: 'Norlevo' (levonorgestrel), 'ellaOne' (ulipristal acetate, effective up to 5 days). Time is critical — efficacy decreases with delay.

Variations

Quanto tempo ho per prenderla?

How much time do I have to take it?

Levonorgestrel: within 72h (3 days). EllaOne: within 120h (5 days)

È efficace al cento per cento?

Is it one hundred percent effective?

It is not — 85-95% effective depending on timing; pharmacist should clarify

Ho già preso la pillola regolare. Posso prendere anche questa?

I already take the regular pill. Can I also take this one?

Interaction check — important if on hormonal contraceptives

Mini Dialogue

— Avete la pillola del giorno dopo? — Sì. Quando è successo il rapporto non protetto? — Ieri sera, dodici ore fa. — Benissimo, è ancora molto efficace. Le do il Norlevo. — Devo mangiare prima? — Meglio di sì per evitare nausea. È un effetto collaterale possibile.

— Do you have the morning-after pill? — Yes. When did the unprotected intercourse occur? — Yesterday evening, twelve hours ago. — Very good, it is still very effective. I will give you Norlevo. — Should I eat first? — Better yes to avoid nausea. It is a possible side effect.

Cultural Note

The morning-after pill has been available without prescription in Italy since 2015 for adults (extended to minors in 2019 without parental consent). Italian pharmacists have the right to 'obiezione di coscienza' (conscientious objection) and may refuse to dispense it. In this case, they must direct you to another pharmacy. Emergency contraception is NOT an abortifacient — it prevents fertilisation.