Switzerland: IENK updates recommendations on oral emergency contraception

ByCristina Puig

October 2026. In May 2026, the Swiss Interprofessional Expert Group on Emergency Contraception (IENK) updated its recommendations for the provision of oral emergency contraception, incorporating the latest scientific evidence.

IENK develops guidelines and practical tools to standardise and improve counselling and provision of emergency contraception. Its resources support professionals working in pharmacies, medical facilities and sexual health counselling centres in providing high-quality care.

In Switzerland, pharmacy counselling is mandatory when dispensing oral emergency contraception. IENK is a volunteer-led, non-profit association bringing together experts in pharmacy, medicine, midwifery and sexual health. It is politically and religiously independent and has no commercial interests.

Key highlights from the updated recommendations:

  • Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding does not need to be interrupted after taking levonorgestrel (LNG) or ulipristal acetate (UPA) emergency contraception. LNG remains the first choice because more data support this recommendation.
  • Body weight and BMI: The thresholds have been simplified. For individuals weighing more than 70 kg or with a BMI above 26 kg/m², a copper IUD is recommended as the first option, followed by UPA emergency contraceptive pills and then LNG.
  • Taking emergency contraception at home: Emergency contraceptive pills no longer need to be swallowed at the pharmacy. They can also be taken at home, if the individual prefers.
  • Advance provision: Advance provision of emergency contraceptive pills is now also possible in certain justified situations.

This article provides a summary of the changes (in French).

Access the updated recommendations and practical resources:

The documents below are available in French and/or German, with an English-language dispensing protocol also available.

  1. Recommandations du groupe IENK pour la remise du lévonorgestrel et de l’ulipristal (mai 2026)
  2. Protocole pour la remise de la contraception d’urgence orale (2026)
  3. Commentaires sur le protocole pour la remise (2026)
  4. Contraception d’urgence en cas de contraception hormonale (08-2026)
  5. Dispensing protocol for oral emergency contraception (2026)

Visit the IENK website for more information.

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