Ulipristal (By mouth)
ue-li-PRIS-tal AS-e-tate
Prevents pregnancy. This medicine is an emergency contraceptive pill.
Drug classes
Contraceptive (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Ulipristal is an emergency contraceptive pill that is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or after failure of another birth control method. It works by preventing or delaying the release of a woman’s egg from the ovary (ovulation). It may also prevent the attachment of the woman’s egg to the wall of the uterus (womb).
This medicine should not be used as a regular birth control method. Discuss your options for birth control with your doctor.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take 1 tablet as soon as possible within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex or failure of another birth control method.
If you vomit within 3 hours of the time you take this medicine, call your doctor right away. Your doctor may prescribe another tablet for you.
This medicine is only for occasional use as emergency birth control. It should not replace your regular birth control method. This medicine may be taken at any time during your monthly cycle, but do not use this medicine more than 1 time in the same monthly cycle.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the tablet in the blister card inside the original box until you are ready to use it. Do not use it if the package is broken or torn.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how ulipristal works. Tell your doctor if you are using a barbiturate or bosentan, carbamazepine, felbamate, griseofulvin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, topiramate, or St John’s wort.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ulipristal, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Warnings
Although this medicine is used to prevent pregnancy, you should know that this medicine could harm an unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
This medicine may make your next monthly period early or late by a few days. If your next period is more than 1 week late, check with your doctor right away for a pregnancy test.
Your regular birth control method might not work as well while you are using this medicine, if you usually use a hormonal method such as birth control pills. Do not start taking a hormonal contraceptive for at least 5 days after you take this medicine. You must use a barrier method until your next period. Some barrier methods are a condom with spermicide, diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.
This medicine will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Severe abdominal or stomach pain
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild pain with your next period or light spotting before your period starts
Nausea, mild stomach pain
Tiredness or dizziness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Ella
There may be other brand names for this medicine.