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Ulipristal Acetate

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Ella

Ulipristal Acetate - What is it for

​There are 2 types of emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy; the pill method and the insertion of a device called the copper intrauterine device (IUD). A copper IUD can prevent pregnancy because its presence is toxic to sperms. A woman might use emergency contraception if she forgot to take her birth control pills, if the condom broke or slipped off during sexual intercourse, or if no birth control methods were used.

Ella® (ulipristal acetate) , also known as “Morning-After Pill”, is one of the pill methods. It is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse.

Ulipristal Acetate - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Ulipristal Acetate cause?

Common side effects include:

  • Breakthrough bleeding
    • You may experience some spotting or bleeding within 2 - 3 days after taking the tablet. 
    • In the majority of cases, your next menses should start as expected or within 5 - 7 days of the expected date.
    • However, if your menses is more than 7 days later, it is recommended to get a pregnancy test. 
    • If you experience heavy or prolonged periods of bleeding, or very bad stomach pain, you should consult your healthcare professional.
  • Nausea and vomiting
    • Take the medication after food to reduce this side effect.
  • Headache
    • You may take Paracetamol to manage the headache.
  • Breast tenderness
  • Dizziness, fatigue
    • Avoid activities that require mental alertness and avoid using heavy machineries.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Ulipristal Acetate , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
  • You may already be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
  • You have severe liver disease, severe asthma or any other medical condition.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Ulipristal Acetate ?

​Some medications may prevent this medication from working effectively. Inform your healthcare professional if you have taken any medication during the last 4 weeks to ensure the correct type of emergency contraceptive has been prescribed for you.

Ulipristal Acetate - Dosage and How to Use

How should Ulipristal Acetate be used?

  • ​You may take this medication with or without food.
  • You may take the medication at any time during the menstrual cycle.
  • Take one tablet (30mg) as soon as possible within 120 hours (5 days) of intercourse.
  • Do not repeat the medication during the same menstrual cycle due to limited information.
  • If you vomit within 3 hours after taking the medicine, take another tablet as a replacement. Consult a doctor to get an additional dose of the medicine.

You may still get pregnant if there is sexual intercourse after taking the pill. Use a condom or any other type of birth control method if you have sexual intercourse after taking the emergency contraceptive pill.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​The tablet works best the sooner you take it after having unprotected sex. It can only prevent you from becoming pregnant, if you take it within 5 days of unprotected sex. Please contact your healthcare professional if it is more than 5 days of unprotected sex.

What should I do if I overdose?

Ulipristal Acetate - Handling

How should I handle Ulipristal Acetate safely?

Ulipristal Acetate - Storage

How should I store Ulipristal Acetate ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

How should I dispose of Ulipristal Acetate safely?

​Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Ulipristal Acetate - Additional Information

​When can I start my regular hormonal contraception after taking this medication?

You can start/restart hormonal contraception e.g. birth control pills 5 days after taking Ella®. You must also use a barrier method (for example; condoms, diaphragms and spermicides) until your next menstrual period, or not have sexual intercourse.

Using a hormonal birth control method and taking Ella® at the same time can reduce the effectiveness of both medications.

  • Updated on 10/31/2022 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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