EllaOne Contraceptive Pill

EllaOne as an Emergency Contraceptive

Emergency contraception is a suitable option for those who have had unprotected sex, or if a contraception method (e.g. condom) has failed. EllaOne is an emergency contraceptive tablet that can be taken up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure or if you have not been taking a contraceptive pill as recommended.

What is ellaOne and how does it work?

EllaOne contains ulipristal acetate which is an orally-active synthetic selective progesterone receptor modulator which acts via high-affinity binding to the human progesterone receptor. When used for emergency contraception the mechanism of action is inhibition or delay of ovulation via suppression of the luteinising hormone (LH) surge. In short, this medication works to stop or delay the release of the egg (ovulation) to prevent pregnancy from occurring.

Ellaone is most effective when taken as soon as possible after sex but should be used within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.

This medication can be taken by any woman of childbearing age, including adolescents and can be used at any time in the menstrual cycle.

Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy, however, if you are already pregnant, it will not interrupt an existing pregnancy.

Is EllaOne right for me?

If you are looking for an effective emergency contraceptive, EllaOne may be right for you. However, it may not be suitable for you if you have the following:

• If you are allergic to ulipristal acetate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine,
• If you suffer from severe asthma,
• If you suffer from liver disease.

All medications can cause potential side effects, below we have listed some potential side effects of ellaOne. However, these do not always occur and are mostly mild in nature. But if you experience any prolonged or worrying side effects of ellaOne, please discontinue the medication immediately and consult your doctor.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Painful periods
• Abdominal pain
• Changes to your next period
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscle pain, back pain
• Tiredness
• Feeling or being sick

To view EllaOne Contraceptive Pill Patient Leaflet click here.

To view PDF patient leaflet click here.

EllaOne is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex, and is still effective if taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after.

EllaOne may affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery, if affected please do not drive or operate machinery.

EllaOne may not be suitable for women who are overweight, have liver disease, or are taking certain other medications.

It contains lactose, if you are allergic to lactose please inform the prescriber who may be able to offer a suitable alternative.

If you think you may have been exposed to the risk of pregnancy, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether EllaOne is right for you.