NorLevo, which can now be dispensed directly to women in Irish pharmacies, is a levonorgestrel-only emergency contraceptive pill introduced in France in 1999.
The product does not contain estrogen, has limited side effects and a time-dependent efficacy, HRA Pharma said.
NorLevo has been available as a prescription-only medicine since 2006 in Ireland.
HRA Pharma CEO Erin Gainer said for over a decade the firm has been a pioneer in the field of emergency contraception, and the approval of NorLevo for non-prescription use in Ireland is a testament to their proactive leadership.
"On a personal note, as an Irish citizen, I am proud that the company I lead is the first to allow Irish women timely access to an effective emergency contraceptive option," Gainer said.