At a glance

QUICK SUMMARY

01 Type of medicine

Emergency Contraceptive Tablet

02 Generic

No

03 Active ingredient

Ulipristal Acetate

04 Effective within

Up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex

05 Works by

Modifying activity of progesterone to postpone ovulation

06 Side effects

Nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, breast tenderness, headache, dizziness, mood swings, muscle pain, back pain, tiredness

Medication details

Description

ellaOne

ellaOne is an emergency contraceptive tablet containing ulipristal acetate. It can be taken up to 120 hours, which is five days, after unprotected sex or after a contraceptive failure such as a split condom or missed pills. It is supplied from a pharmacy following a short consultation.

How it works

Ulipristal acetate works mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary. No egg released means no egg available to be fertilised. Because it acts on ovulation, it is at its most useful when taken before that point, which is why it should be taken as soon as possible rather than left until near the end of the five day window.

How to use it

Swallow one tablet with water as soon as you can after unprotected sex, with or without food. If you are sick within three hours, contact a pharmacist, since another tablet may be needed. Carry on with your regular contraception, but use condoms or avoid sex until your next period, and be aware that ulipristal can interact with hormonal contraception, so ask about restarting.

Who it is for

It is for people who need emergency contraception after unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure, following a consultation with the pharmacy team. It is not an ongoing method of contraception and it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Safety and when to get advice

Headache, nausea, abdominal pain and a period that arrives earlier or later than expected are commonly reported. Take a pregnancy test if your period is more than seven days late, is unusually light, or if you have severe lower abdominal pain in the weeks afterwards, since that needs urgent assessment. Tell the pharmacist if you use medicines for epilepsy, tuberculosis or HIV, or St John's wort, and mention severe asthma. Consider testing for sexually transmitted infections. Our UK pharmacy team can answer questions about this product.

Common questions

How soon should I take it?
As soon as possible. It can be taken up to 120 hours after, but earlier is better.

Can I restart my usual contraception straight away?
Ask the pharmacist. Ulipristal can interact with hormonal contraception, so timing matters.

Will it affect my period?
Your next period may come earlier or later than usual. Test if it is more than seven days late.

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with the pack before use.

Directions

Taking ellaOne is simple and straightforward. Just one tablet, taken orally, can provide the protection you seek. It is advisable to consume the tablet as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. You can take it at any time during your menstrual cycle, regardless of the time of day or meal. If vomiting occurs within 3 hours after ingestion, it is recommended to take another tablet. It is important to note that taking the tablet after unprotected sex does not prevent future pregnancies caused by unprotected intercourse.

Ingredients

ellaOne's active ingredient, ulipristal acetate, modifies the natural hormone progesterone's activity, which is essential for ovulation. By postponing ovulation, the tablet works effectively to prevent pregnancy from starting. It is vital to understand that emergency contraception is not foolproof; it is estimated that around 2 out of 100 women who take this medicine may still become pregnant.

Side Effects

As with any medicine, ellaOne may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects may include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and breast tenderness. It's important to remember that these symptoms can also be indicative of pregnancy. Uncommon side effects such as diarrhea, headache, mood swings, and fatigue are also possible. Rare side effects include genital pain, dizziness, allergic reactions, and more. If you experience any unusual symptoms, it's recommended to consult your healthcare professional.

Warnings

Prior to taking ellaOne, it's important to consider certain factors. If you suspect you might be pregnant or are experiencing pregnancy symptoms, consult a healthcare professional before using the tablet. The tablet's effectiveness may be impacted by certain medications, such as those used for epilepsy, tuberculosis, HIV treatment, fungal infections, and herbal remedies containing St John's wort. If you have concerns about potential interactions, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Medically reviewed and published

  • This page was medically reviewed by Dr Sohaib Imtiaz, Clinical Lead on Aug 24, 2023, 3:30 pm

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FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Can I use ellaOne as a regular method of contraception?

No, ellaOne is intended for emergency contraception only and should not be used as a regular contraceptive method. It is designed to be taken within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure.

Is ellaOne suitable for all women, regardless of age?

Yes, ellaOne is suitable for any woman of childbearing age, including adolescents. It can be taken at any time during the menstrual cycle. However, it is not effective if you are already pregnant.

Can I take ellaOne if I have a history of severe liver disease?

It's important to consult your healthcare professional before taking ellaOne if you have a history of severe liver disease. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current condition.

Will taking ellaOne affect my ability to conceive in the future?

No, ellaOne will not affect your future fertility. However, if you wish to start or continue with a regular method of contraception after using ellaOne, you should continue to use condoms until your next period.

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