Medically Reviewed
Written by: Dr. Pooja Singh, MBBS, MS (Obs & Gynae) — View Profile
Reviewed by: Dr. Shahrukh Khan Bahadur — View Profile
Last Updated: September 2026
Choosing a method of contraception is a personal decision but how to decide about them, and the sheer number of options can be confusing. The Neuro Polyclinic guide provides information on contraceptive pills available in India, ranging from daily birth control pills to emergency contraceptive pills. It compares their estimated prices and explains what people are actually looking for when they search for “names and prices of pregnancy-prevention pills.
This is general information, not medical advice. Please speak to a doctor before starting any hormonal medicine.
What Are Contraceptive Pills?
Contraceptive pills are medicines swallowed by mouth to help postpone pregnancy. They work in different ways and suit different situations. In India, they generally fall into three groups:
- Daily oral contraceptive pills, taken every day for ongoing protection not to be pregnant
- Emergency contraceptive pills, taken once as a backup after unprotected sex
- Non-hormonal pills, such as Saheli (centchroman), usually taken weekly
Contraceptive pills are not abortion pills. They are designed to prevent pregnancy and cannot end an established one.
Birth Control Pills in India
In India contraceptive capsules typically contain a combination of two hormones. 1 is estrogen and another is progestin but both primarily work by preventing ovulation and altering cervical mucus and making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg and Many users also experience effects on their menstrual cycle, such as increased regularity.
Commonly known options include:
- Mala-D: a widely available daily combined pill
- Mala-N: a combined pill often supplied through government health programmes
- Novelon, Femilon and Ovral-L: popular private-market brands
- Saheli (centchroman): a non-hormonal option
Some hormonal pills are also prescribed for irregular periods and acne or PCOS. That pill is right depends on your health and medical history so this should be decided with a doctor (gyne).
How daily pills are taken
Most daily pills are taken once a day at the same time. Missing pills lowers protection. Always follow the leaflet or your doctor’s instructions. After missed pills, a backup method such as condoms may be recommended.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills in India
Emergency contraceptive pills in India are meant for situations such as:
- A broken or slipped condom
- Missed regular contraceptive pills
- Unprotected sex
- Any other contraceptive failure
The most commonly used type is a single levonorgestrel 1.5 mg tablet. Brands such as i-Pill (Piramal) and Unwanted-72 (Mankind) contain the same drug at the same dose. The difference is mainly the manufacturer and the price.
These pills work best when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, and are generally used within 72 hours. They are widely available at pharmacies without a prescription.
Possible temporary side effects include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Mild abdominal discomfort
- A changed next period, either early or late
Emergency contraception is a backup, not a replacement for regular contraception. It is generally less reliable than ongoing methods and costs more over time if used repeatedly. If you vomit soon after taking the tablet, or your next period is more than a week late, speak with a healthcare professional and consider a pregnancy test.
Contraceptive Pills Price in India
The contraceptive pills price in India varies by brand, pharmacy, location, discounts and pack size. These examples come from recent online listings:
| Product | Type | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|
| Mala-D | Daily pill | About ₹3.55 to ₹5 per strip in some listings; some retailers list a higher pack price |
| Saheli Plus | Non-hormonal weekly pill | About ₹80 per strip in one online listing |
| i-Pill | Emergency | About ₹64 to ₹77 in some listings |
| Unwanted-72 | Emergency | About ₹44 to ₹64 in some listings |
Prices change often, so check the current price and pack details before buying.
Ways to save: Government health centres, public hospitals and Jan Aushadhi outlets may offer some contraceptive options at low cost or free. You can also ask an ASHA worker, ANM or healthcare provider about family-planning services available near you.
Pregnancy Stop Tablets: Names and Price
People searching for “pregnancy stop tablets names and price” may be looking for two very different kinds of medicine.
Emergency contraceptive pills such as i-Pill and Unwanted-72 are taken after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. They help prevent pregnancy and do not end an established one. Their approximate prices are listed in the table above, generally between ₹45 and ₹110 depending on the brand and pharmacy.
Medical abortion medicines are different. Abortion kit usually involve mifepristone and misoprostol that are used to end an early pregnancy under appropriate medical care In India and medical termination of pregnancy is regulated under the MTP Act, and these medicines should be prescribed and supervised by a registered medical practitioner. Prices vary by brand and provider, so ask your doctor or a registered centre.
Medical assessment matters because abortion medication is not right for every pregnancy. The correct approach depends on how far along the pregnancy is, your medical history, and whether there is a possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. Using these medicines without guidance can lead to incomplete abortion, heavy bleeding, infection or delayed treatment of a dangerous condition.
Seek urgent medical attention for very heavy bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal pain, fainting, high fever or other serious symptoms.
Possible Side Effects of Daily Contraceptive Pills
Some people notice temporary effects when starting hormonal contraception, usually during the first few months:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
- Spotting or changes in menstrual bleeding
Combined hormonal pills are not suitable for everyone. People with a history of blood clots, migraine with aura, certain heart or liver conditions, or other risk factors should talk to a healthcare professional first. Smoking, especially after age 35, also raises risk.
Get emergency help if you develop chest pain, sudden difficulty breathing, severe leg pain or swelling, or sudden vision or neurological changes. These can be signs of a blood clot.
How to Choose a Contraceptive Method
No single pill is right for everyone. The best choice depends on your health, age, menstrual pattern, other medicines, pregnancy plans and how easily you can take a pill regularly. Consider these steps:
- Discuss your health history. A doctor can tell you which options are appropriate for you.
- Think about your routine. Daily pills only work well when taken consistently.
- Ask about alternatives. If hormones aren’t suitable, options such as non-hormonal pills, IUDs or barrier methods may be available.
- Use emergency contraception appropriately. Keep it as a backup, not a regular method.
- Remember STI protection. Pills do not protect against infections, but condoms help reduce the risk.
If you are unsure which method suits you, speaking with a gynecologist in Hojai can help you understand your options based on your health history and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are contraceptive pills available without a prescription in India?
Emergency contraceptive pills are commonly sold at pharmacies without a prescription. Regular daily pills are also easy to find, but medical advice is recommended because not every pill suits every person.
Which is the best birth control pill in India?
There is no single best pill. The right one depends on your health, medical history and contraceptive needs, so a doctor’s guidance is the safest way to choose.
What is the emergency contraceptive pill price in India?
Prices vary by brand and pharmacy, and typically fall between ₹45 and ₹110 per tablet. Current prices may differ.
Is Mala-D an abortion pill?
No. Mala-D is a daily contraceptive that helps prevent pregnancy. It cannot end an existing pregnancy.
Can I use emergency contraception every time?
It isn’t designed for regular use. It is less reliable than ongoing methods, and frequent use can be expensive and may disrupt your cycle. If you often need it, talk to a healthcare professional about a regular method.
Final Thoughts
Contraceptive pills in India cover several distinct options: daily birth control pills for ongoing protection, non-hormonal pills for those who can’t use hormones, and emergency contraceptive pills for backup. Prices, brands and availability differ between pharmacies and regions, so always check current details.
Before starting regular hormonal contraception, discuss your medical history and needs with a qualified professional. The right choice is the one that is safe, comfortable and easy for you to use consistently.
Common Contraceptive Pills in India
Novelon
Daily PillNovelon is a combined oral contraceptive used for regular pregnancy prevention when taken as directed.
Read more →Femilon
Daily PillFemilon is a combined oral contraceptive pill taken regularly to help prevent pregnancy.
Read more →Saheli
Non-HormonalSaheli contains centchroman and is a non-hormonal oral contraceptive option with a different dosing schedule.
Read more →Chhaya
Non-HormonalChhaya is a centchroman contraceptive option available through India’s family-planning programme.
Read more →i-Pill
Emergency Pilli-Pill is an emergency contraceptive containing levonorgestrel for backup contraception after contraceptive failure.
Read more →Unwanted-72
Emergency PillUnwanted-72 is a levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive used as a backup after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Read more →Mala-N
Daily PillMala-N is a combined oral contraceptive 21 tablets used for regular pregnancy prevention when they are taken correct way.
Read more →