Argentina: First UPA emergency contraceptive pill introduced
April 2026 — A ulipristal acetate (UPA)-based emergency contraceptive (EC) pill is now available in Argentina. Since March 2026, Efectiva 30, manufactured by Laboratorios CASASCO, has been distributed in pharmacies nationwide.
The product is available by prescription only and is expected to retail at approximately USD 12, with lower prices anticipated through union-run health insurance schemes (obras sociales). Educational initiatives are planned to accompany the launch and support informed use.
This is the first UPA-containing EC pill marketed in Argentina. In Latin America, Mexico remains the only other country where UPA EC pills are currently available, where they can be obtained without a prescription.
The Asociación Médica Argentina de Anticoncepción has also recently published new clinical guidelines on emergency contraception. These provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of levonorgestrel and UPA EC pills, as well as intrauterine devices for EC.
Access the guideline here.