ellaOne 30 mg Film-Coated Tablet (Ulipristal Acetate) is an emergency contraceptive designed to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. You should take the tablet as soon as possible, and within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected intercourse. It is most effective the sooner it is taken.

ellaOne is suitable for any woman of child-bearing age, including adolescents, and can be taken at any point during the menstrual cycle. It works by delaying ovulation, reducing the chances of pregnancy. It will not work if you are already pregnant and does not affect an existing pregnancy.

This medicine does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections—only condoms can protect against STIs.

When to use

Use ellaOne if:

• You had sex without contraception.

• A condom tore, slipped, or was not used correctly.

• You missed or were late taking your usual contraceptive pill.

• Your contraceptive method failed.

How to take

• Take one tablet by mouth as soon as possible, and no later than 120 hours after unprotected sex.

• You can take it at any time of day, with or without food.

• If you vomit within 3 hours, take another tablet as soon as possible.

• Use condoms until your next period, even if you are on regular contraception (ellaOne may temporarily reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives).

Important information

• If your next period is more than 7 days late, unusually heavy/light, or you have symptoms of pregnancy (nausea, breast tenderness, abdominal pain), take a pregnancy test and seek medical advice.

• ellaOne is not for regular contraception. Speak to a healthcare professional about long-term methods.

• Some medicines (e.g. epilepsy, tuberculosis, HIV or fungal treatments, or St John’s Wort) may reduce effectiveness—ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

• Not suitable if you are allergic to ulipristal acetate or any listed ingredient.

• Do not breast-feed for 1 week after taking ellaOne; express and discard milk to maintain supply.

Possible side effects

Common:
Nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, dizziness, mood changes, breast tenderness, painful periods, tiredness.

Uncommon:
Diarrhoea, heartburn, irregular bleeding, emotional changes, sleep disturbance, acne, fever, vaginal irritation, appetite changes.

Seek advice if side effects are severe or persistent. Report side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: Ulipristal acetate 30 mg.
Other ingredients include: lactose monohydrate, povidone, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, poly(vinyl alcohol), talc, titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol, polysorbate 80, iron oxide yellow (E172), potassium aluminium silicate (E555).

Pack size

1 golden, shield-shaped film-coated tablet engraved with “ella”.