EllaOne (Ulipristal Acetate) is a morning after pill effective for up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.
LEADING POINTS:
- Up to 99% effective [3] when taken within 24 hours
- Up to 5 days after
- Take one tablet
AVOID IN BREASTFEEDING (MORE INFO NEEDED)
MORE INFORMATION ON ELLAONE
ABOUT ELLAONE (ULIPRISTAL)
EllaOne is one of the morning after pills used to prevent a potential pregnancy after unprotected sex. It is a partial progesterone antagonist.
HOW ELLAONE WORKS
- Interferes with hormone levels to delay ovulation, so that the sperm that entered the vagina vanish before an egg can be released, preventing pregnancy.
WHO IS ELLAONE SUITABLE FOR?
Do not take EllaOne if:
- Severe kidney impairment (unless closely monitored)
- Severe liver impairment
- Cancers: breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer
- Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
- Severe asthma under steroid medication treatment – ellaOne may decrease effectiveness of asthma treatment.
Breastfeeding
- Avoid for at least 1 week after taking
ELLAONE WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS:
EllaOne may be less effective if the following medication was taken within the last 4 weeks:
- Epilepsy medication
- Tuberculosis medication
- HIV medication
- Antifungal medication – Griseofulvin
- Herbal remedies – St John’s Wort
It may be better to have a coil fitted in as it would likely be a lot more effective.
HOW TO TAKE ELLAONE
- Take ONE tablet as soon as possible after the event.
- If feel sick within 4 hours of taking, it may not be effective and you should take another one.
SIDE EFFECTS
Not an exhaustive list
Common:
- Low energy
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Stomach discomfort
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
- Changes in cycle rhythm
Uncommon
- Increased infection risk
- Insomnia
- Fluid retention
- Mood changes
- Vision changes
Rare:
- Fainting (passing out)
- Nosebleed
- Bleeding from eye
- Loss of co-ordination
- Shaking
Unknown:
- Liver issues – call doctor if any yellowing of skin or eyes
- Widespread swelling – seek immediate medical attention (999 or A+E)
OTHER WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
EllaOne has no age limit, but if somebody under 16 wants it they need to show that they are ‘competent’ by understanding the situation they’re in and the options they have.
This medicine may temporarily make other forms of contraception (such as pills and patches) less effective. It is recommended to carry on taking the contraception but using an additional method such as condoms until your next period.
EllaOne will not protect you from any other further incidents of unprotected sex.
INGREDIENTS:
Lactose monohydrate
Pregelatinised starch (Maize)
Sodium starch glycolate
Magnesium stearate
Hypromellose (E464)
Hydroxypropylcellulose (E463)
Stearic acid (E570)
Talc (E553b)
Titanium Dioxide (E171)
SOURCES:
[1] https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/ulipristal-acetate/
[2] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14200/pil
[3] https://www.ellaone.co.uk/verify/
[4] https://www.ellaone.co.uk/emergency-contraception/how-does-the-morning-after-pill-work/
Shobz Pharmacy 