How soon after sex can I take emergency contraception pills?

Over-the-counter emergency contraception (EC) pills, like Plan B One-Step, Next Choice One Dose, My Way, and the prescription EC pill, ella, consist of just one pill that’s you take as soon as possible after unprotected sex (you don’t have to wait for the morning after). EC pills are more effective the sooner you take them after unprotected sex but can be effective for up to 5 days after sex.