Contraceptive pill while visiting Sweden
Medically reviewed by Dr Toha Soodhun, specialist in family medicine · 15 November 2026
If you have run out of your contraceptive pill, left it at home or need a new prescription while you are in Sweden, a doctor can usually help by video and send an e-prescription to a pharmacy near you. Your home brand may be sold under another name here; the doctor finds a Swedish equivalent. Emergency contraception is sold without prescription at Swedish pharmacies.
Getting your pill prescribed by video
- Have the packaging, or a photo of it, ready for the call.
- The doctor asks about your health, smoking, migraine, and any blood clots in you or your family.
- Combined pills contain oestrogen, which can raise blood pressure, so the doctor needs a recent blood pressure reading. Some pharmacies can measure it, or we can at one of our clinics.
- The prescription is sent electronically; you collect the pill at any pharmacy with your passport or ID.
Vomiting, diarrhoea or a missed pill
It takes about four hours for the body to absorb the pill. If you vomit or have repeated heavy diarrhoea within four hours of taking it, take a new pill. For a missed pill, follow the instructions in your package leaflet — they differ between pill types — or ask a pharmacist.
Emergency contraception
Two types of emergency contraceptive pill are sold without prescription at Swedish pharmacies: one can be taken up to three days (72 hours) after unprotected sex and the other up to five days (120 hours); the second is slightly more effective. A copper IUD inserted within five days is the most effective option and is fitted by a midwife or doctor at a gynaecology or sexual health clinic.
See a doctor in person if…
- You have no recent blood pressure reading and want a combined pill
- You want to start hormonal contraception for the first time or switch method
Our clinics in Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmö can usually see you the same day (3,200 SEK, or +700 SEK after a video consultation). If you cannot come in, we can visit you at your hotel or home in central Gothenburg, Stockholm or Malmö — see prices.
Seek emergency care or call 112 if…
- Pain and swelling in one leg, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or a sudden severe headache with vision or speech problems — call 112
Questions
Do I need a prescription for emergency contraception in Sweden?
No. Both types are sold without prescription at pharmacies.
Can I skip my period with the pill?
Often yes, by starting the next pack straight away. See our page on postponing your period.
Does the pill protect against sexually transmitted infections?
No. Only condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections.
See a licensed Swedish doctor by video
2,500 SEK · No personnummer or BankID · Insurance documents included
Get Medical HelpLife-threatening? Call 112.