ellaOne Ulipristal Acetate 30mg Emergency Contraceptive Tablet - 1 Tablet

ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate 30mg in one film-coated tablet. It is emergency contraception after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, taken as soon as possible and within 120 hours (five days). Supply requires a pharmacist suitability check. Do not delay urgent care while waiting for an online delivery; contact a local pharmacy or sexual-health service promptly.

How it works and how to take it

ellaOne delays ovulation. It does not end an existing pregnancy and does not work in every case. It can be suitable for people of childbearing age, including adolescents, after assessment. Take one tablet by mouth, with or without food. If you vomit within three hours, contact a pharmacist urgently for a replacement dose. A copper IUD is the most effective emergency contraception; a sexual-health service can assess whether it is an option.

Before taking

• Do not take if allergic to ulipristal acetate or another ingredient. Tell the pharmacist if your period is late, you may already be pregnant, or you have severe asthma or severe liver disease. Contains lactose.
• Report all medicines used in the last four weeks, especially epilepsy medicines, tuberculosis treatments, certain HIV medicines, griseofulvin and St John’s wort. They may reduce effectiveness.
• Do not combine with levonorgestrel emergency contraception. Tell the pharmacist about your usual hormonal contraception so they can give a clear restart and backup-contraception plan.

After taking it

It does not protect against pregnancy from later sex or against sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms every time you have sex until your next period. UK sexual-health guidance generally advises waiting five days before starting or restarting hormonal contraception after ulipristal; follow the individual plan given by your pharmacist and the method-specific backup advice. Take a pregnancy test if the next period is more than seven days late, unusually light or heavy, or pregnancy symptoms occur. Severe abdominal pain or bleeding with possible pregnancy needs urgent assessment.

Breastfeeding

Tell the pharmacist if breastfeeding. Current UK specialist guidance says breastfeeding need not be interrupted after a single ulipristal emergency-contraception dose, although the manufacturer leaflet still advises a one-week interruption. Ask the pharmacist to explain this difference and apply the current advice to your circumstances.

Side effects and storage

Headache, nausea, abdominal pain, painful periods, dizziness or tiredness can occur. Do not drive if drowsy, dizzy or your vision or concentration is affected. Seek urgent help for a serious allergic reaction. Keep out of children’s sight and reach, do not use after expiry and follow the supplied pack’s instructions.

Frequently asked questions

Must I wait until the next morning?

No. Take it as soon as possible after suitable professional assessment, within the five-day window.

Will it protect me for the rest of the cycle?

No. Further unprotected sex can lead to pregnancy. Use condoms and discuss ongoing contraception.

What if I am already pregnant?

ellaOne does not end an existing pregnancy. Seek professional advice if pregnancy is possible.

Further information

Manufacturer UK patient leaflet · NHS emergency contraception advice · UK specialist breastfeeding guidance