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Contraception consult · 4.9 stars from 202 Google reviews

Birth control pharmacist in Calgary

Book a contraception consult with Wessam Sakr, the pharmacist who owns Edgemont Family Pharmacy in NW Calgary. Alberta pharmacists with additional prescribing authorization can prescribe after an appropriate assessment. Need emergency contraception? Read the box below first.

A small private consultation room with two chairs, a blood pressure monitor and a tablet on a low table

The three kinds of emergency contraception

From MyHealth Alberta.

Levonorgestrel pill (like Plan B)
Up to 5 days afterNo prescription. Works best within 24 hours, and much less well after 72. Lowers pregnancy risk by 50 to 90%.
Ulipristal pill (like Ella)
Up to 5 days afterNeeds a prescription. Lowers pregnancy risk by about 85%, just as well on day 5.
Copper IUD
Up to 7 days afterPut in by a healthcare provider. Lowers pregnancy risk by 99%, and keeps working as birth control for years.

Good to know about the pills

  • Don't take both kinds

    Not at the same time or within 7 days of each other. They work less well together.

  • Weight can matter

    Levonorgestrel may not work as well above 75 kg (165 lbs) or a BMI over 25. Ulipristal may not work as well with a BMI over 35. The copper IUD works regardless of weight. If you can't get an IUD, take a pill anyway.

  • Threw up within 2 hours?

    Contact your healthcare provider, as you may need another dose.

  • No period within 3 weeks?

    Do a pregnancy test.

Ongoing birth control

Choosing birth control comes down to how well it works, how you use it, whether it has hormones, cost and how it fits your life. Some types need a prescription, some are placed by a healthcare provider and some are sold over the counter.

In a contraception consult, the pharmacist goes through your health, your medications and what you want, then talks through the options with you. Provincial health plans or private insurance may cover prescription birth control.

Who you'll see

Wessam Sakr, BScPharm, RPh, pharmacist and owner of Edgemont Family Pharmacy

Wessam Sakr, BScPharm, RPh

Certified Bariatric Educator, Obesity CanadaCertified Diabetes Educator, Diabetes CanadaOver nine years of patient care

Wessam owns the pharmacy and works in it. The consult is private, and a prescription is one possible outcome, not a guaranteed one.

Book a contraception consult

What people say about visits here

Rated 4.9 from 202 Google reviews (November 2026). These are about visits here in general.

  • Monica Taylor · June 2024

    Sam is a very excellent Pharmacist, he takes his time to explain every detail and always make you feel comfortable and welcoming.

  • Bailey Bai · April 2026

    I had a great experience at this clinic. The staff were very attentive and patient, and they took the time to explain everything clearly. I really felt well cared for. Highly recommend!

  • Andrea Lofthouse · December 2025

    Sam is kind and patient when explaining the complex issues of my needs. So happy to have been referred to him by my GP.

Common questions

Can a pharmacist prescribe birth control in Alberta?

Alberta pharmacists with additional prescribing authorization can prescribe after an appropriate assessment. Book a contraception consult and the pharmacist will go through your options.

Do I need a prescription for the morning after pill?

Not for levonorgestrel pills like Plan B. Ulipristal (Ella) needs a prescription.

How long after sex does emergency contraception work?

The pills can be used up to 5 days after. The copper IUD can be put in up to 7 days after. Use any of them as soon as possible.

Does emergency contraception protect against STIs?

No. It doesn't protect you from sexually transmitted infections or HIV.

General information based on MyHealth Alberta's emergency contraception (current as of April 10, 2023) and birth control pages. It doesn't replace advice from your own healthcare provider.

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