ellaOne 30mg – Essential Emergency Contraception Guide
ellaOne 30mg is an emergency contraceptive tablet containing 30mg of ulipristal acetate. It is used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure.
ellaOne should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure and no later than 120 hours (5 days) afterwards. The sooner emergency contraception is used, the better the chance of preventing pregnancy.
For additional information about emergency contraception, visit the NHS emergency contraception guidance.
What is ellaOne 30mg?
ellaOne is an emergency contraceptive tablet containing the active ingredient ulipristal acetate. Each tablet contains 30mg of ulipristal acetate.
It is designed for emergency contraception following unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Examples can include sex without contraception, a condom breaking or slipping, or a failure involving a regular contraceptive method.
ellaOne works primarily by delaying ovulation. It is intended to prevent a pregnancy from starting and does not terminate an existing pregnancy.
The European Medicines Agency information on ellaOne confirms that the medicine contains 30mg of ulipristal acetate and is indicated for emergency contraception within 120 hours of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
What is ellaOne used for?
ellaOne is used as emergency contraception after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. It is intended for occasional emergency use and is not a replacement for a regular method of contraception.
According to the current product information, one ellaOne tablet should be taken orally as soon as possible and no later than 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
How does ellaOne work?
ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate, which modifies the activity of progesterone and can delay ovulation. By delaying ovulation, it can reduce the possibility of pregnancy when taken within the recommended timeframe.
Emergency contraception does not work in every situation, and it cannot prevent a pregnancy that has already started.
When should I take ellaOne 30mg?
ellaOne should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The medicine can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) afterwards.
Waiting longer may reduce the chance of preventing pregnancy, so emergency contraception should be considered promptly when it is needed.
The NHS emergency contraception guidance explains that ulipristal acetate emergency contraception can be used within 5 days of unprotected sex.
How to take ellaOne
The recommended treatment consists of one 30mg tablet taken orally as soon as possible and no later than 120 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
ellaOne can be taken at any time during the menstrual cycle and can be taken with or without food.
If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking ellaOne, another tablet may be required. Contact a pharmacist, doctor or other healthcare professional for advice about taking another dose.
Do not take more than directed. If you are unsure about how or when to take the medicine, speak with a pharmacist or healthcare professional.
ellaOne and regular contraception
ellaOne is intended for emergency contraception and should not be used as a regular method of contraception.
Ulipristal acetate can temporarily affect the effectiveness of hormonal contraception. The current patient information advises using condoms after taking ellaOne and following the specific instructions provided with the medicine.
Do not take ellaOne together with another emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel because using both together may reduce effectiveness.
Medicines that may affect ellaOne
Some medicines can reduce the effectiveness of ulipristal acetate. These include certain medicines used for epilepsy, tuberculosis, HIV and fungal infections, as well as herbal medicines containing St John’s wort.
If you have taken any medicines during the previous 4 weeks, tell your pharmacist, doctor or healthcare professional before using ellaOne. Depending on the medicine involved, another form of emergency contraception may be recommended.
For detailed information about medicines that can interact with ulipristal acetate, consult the official ulipristal acetate Summary of Product Characteristics.
ellaOne and pregnancy
ellaOne is intended to prevent pregnancy from starting and will not interrupt an existing pregnancy.
If your period is already late or you have symptoms that could indicate pregnancy, speak with a healthcare professional before taking emergency contraception.
If you become pregnant despite taking ellaOne, contact your doctor or another appropriate healthcare professional for advice.
What if my period is late after taking ellaOne?
Your next period may occur a few days earlier or later than expected after taking emergency contraception.
If your period is more than 7 days late, unusually light or unusually heavy, or you experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, breast tenderness, nausea or vomiting, take a pregnancy test and seek appropriate healthcare advice.
Further unprotected sex after taking ellaOne
Taking ellaOne does not provide ongoing protection against pregnancy for the rest of the menstrual cycle.
If you have unprotected sex again after taking ellaOne, the medicine will not protect you from pregnancy resulting from that later intercourse. Use condoms or another appropriate contraceptive method and speak with a healthcare professional if you need further emergency contraception advice.
Does ellaOne protect against sexually transmitted infections?
No. ellaOne does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes or syphilis.
Condoms can help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. If you are concerned about an STI or possible exposure, speak with a sexual health clinic or healthcare professional.
You can find additional information through the NHS contraception and emergency contraception information.
Breastfeeding and ellaOne
If you are breastfeeding, speak with a healthcare professional before taking ellaOne and follow the current product-specific advice. The Patient Information Leaflet contains specific guidance concerning breastfeeding after taking ulipristal acetate.
Do not rely on general online information when making decisions about breastfeeding and emergency contraception. A pharmacist, doctor or sexual health professional can provide advice based on your circumstances.
Possible side effects of ellaOne
Like all medicines, ellaOne can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Reported effects can include headache, nausea, abdominal discomfort or pain, dizziness, tiredness, breast tenderness and changes to the timing or nature of the next menstrual period.
If you experience severe, unusual or concerning symptoms, contact an appropriate healthcare professional for advice.
Who should speak to a healthcare professional before taking ellaOne?
Speak with a pharmacist, doctor or other healthcare professional if you have concerns about pregnancy, your period is late, you have severe asthma treated with oral glucocorticoids, you have severe liver disease, or you have taken medicines that may interact with ulipristal acetate.
If you have questions about whether ellaOne is appropriate for you, a pharmacist or healthcare professional can assess your situation and advise on the most suitable emergency contraception option.
Storage information
Keep ellaOne out of the sight and reach of children. Store the medicine in its original packaging to protect it from light and moisture, and follow the storage instructions supplied with the product.
Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the packaging. Ask a pharmacist about appropriate disposal of medicines you no longer need.
ellaOne compared with other emergency contraception
There are different emergency contraception options available in the UK. Ulipristal acetate, the active ingredient in ellaOne, can be taken within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Another emergency contraceptive pill contains levonorgestrel and has a shorter recommended timeframe. A copper intrauterine device (IUD) is another emergency contraception option and is the most effective form of emergency contraception according to NHS guidance.
The most appropriate option depends on factors such as timing, medical history, medicines being taken and individual circumstances. A pharmacist, doctor or sexual health professional can help you choose an appropriate option.
Important information
ellaOne is intended for emergency contraception and should be used according to the official product information and advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional.
It should not be relied upon as a regular contraceptive method. If you frequently need emergency contraception or want to discuss ongoing contraception, speak with a healthcare professional about suitable regular contraceptive options.
For authoritative information about emergency contraception, visit the NHS emergency contraception page.
Summary
ellaOne 30mg contains ulipristal acetate and is used for emergency contraception following unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It should be taken as soon as possible and no later than 120 hours (5 days) after the event.
ellaOne does not terminate an existing pregnancy and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. It also does not provide ongoing protection against pregnancy following further unprotected sex.
Always read the Patient Information Leaflet and speak with a pharmacist, doctor or other qualified healthcare professional if you are unsure whether ellaOne is appropriate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About ellaOne 30mg
What is ellaOne 30mg?
ellaOne 30mg is an emergency contraceptive tablet containing 30mg of ulipristal acetate.
What is ellaOne used for?
ellaOne is used for emergency contraception after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
How long after sex can I take ellaOne?
ellaOne should be taken as soon as possible and no later than 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
How does ellaOne work?
ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate, which works primarily by delaying ovulation.
Can I take ellaOne if I am already pregnant?
ellaOne is intended to prevent pregnancy from starting and does not terminate an existing pregnancy. If your period is late or you suspect pregnancy, speak with a healthcare professional.
What happens if I vomit after taking ellaOne?
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking ellaOne, contact a pharmacist or healthcare professional because another tablet may be needed.
Can I take ellaOne with my regular contraceptive pill?
Ulipristal acetate can temporarily affect hormonal contraception. Follow the current product instructions and speak with a pharmacist or healthcare professional about your regular contraception.
Does ellaOne protect against STIs?
No. ellaOne does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms can help reduce STI risk.
Can I have unprotected sex again after taking ellaOne?
ellaOne does not provide ongoing protection against pregnancy from later unprotected sex. Use condoms or another suitable contraceptive method and seek professional advice if needed.
How should ellaOne be stored?
Keep ellaOne out of the sight and reach of children and keep it in its original packaging according to the product storage instructions.
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NHS Emergency Contraception Guidance






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