The Pill Online: Oral Contraception Prescriptions

Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan, MBBS, FRACGP · AHPRA MED0001663310 · Last reviewed: 23 September 2026

The contraceptive pill is one of the most common ways to prevent pregnancy in Australia. Our doctors can start you on the pill, renew your prescription or help you change to a different one, with an eScript sent straight to your phone.

Types of pill

• Combined pill: contains two hormones, an oestrogen and a progestogen. It's the most commonly used pill.
• Progestogen-only pill (mini pill): suits people who can't take oestrogen. Most need to be taken within the same 3-hour window each day. A newer type of progestogen-only pill gives a 24-hour window.

How well it works

With perfect use the combined pill is 99.5% effective, but with typical use it's about 93%. That means around 7 in 100 people using it will become pregnant in a year, mostly because of missed pills. A contraceptive implant or IUD is more than 99% effective with typical use. Your doctor can talk about these if you'd like a longer-lasting option.

Is the combined pill safe for you?

The combined pill isn't suitable for everyone. It's usually not recommended if you've had a blood clot, stroke or heart attack, have migraine with aura, have had breast cancer, are over 35 and smoke, have high blood pressure or some heart conditions, have severe liver problems, or gave birth in the last 6 weeks. There's a small increased risk of blood clots, which is higher if you smoke or have high blood pressure or diabetes. A progestogen-only pill may be an option if the combined pill isn't safe for you.

Blood pressure check

Your blood pressure needs to be checked before starting the combined pill, and a check every 12 months is recommended. For a telehealth consult, your doctor will ask for a recent reading, for example from your GP or a pharmacy.

If you miss a pill

For the combined pill, take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if that means taking 2 in one day. Then use condoms or avoid sex for the next 7 days. Always check the instructions in your pack, and contact us if you're unsure.

Cost

Consultations are bulk-billed for eligible Medicare card holders. Some pills are PBS-listed, so from 1 January 2026 you pay no more than $25.00 per script, or $7.70 with a concession card. Other brands are private scripts.

Getting the pill from a pharmacist

In some states, trained pharmacists can now supply the pill without a script from a doctor, for example in Queensland (for people aged 16 and over) and at participating pharmacies in NSW and Victoria. A doctor's consult is still the best option if you're starting for the first time, have health conditions or want to discuss other methods.

The pill and STIs

The pill doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are the only contraceptive that also helps prevent STIs, and regular STI testing is a good idea with new partners.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get the contraceptive pill online?
Yes. After a phone or video consult, your doctor can prescribe the pill if it's safe for you and send an eScript to your phone.

Do I need a blood pressure check?
Yes, for the combined pill. Blood pressure should be checked before starting and about every 12 months. Your doctor will ask for a recent reading.

How effective is the pill?
The combined pill is 99.5% effective with perfect use and about 93% with typical use. Implants and IUDs are more than 99% effective.

What if I miss a pill?
For the combined pill, take it as soon as you remember, even if that means 2 in one day, then use condoms or avoid sex for 7 days. Check your pack instructions.

Sources: Healthdirect: The combined oral contraceptive pill; Healthdirect: Contraception options; Family Planning NSW: Combined hormonal contraceptive pill; Department of Health: PBS co-payments.