ellaOne

EllaOne is an emergency contraceptive pill to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy.

EllaOne contains Ulipristal Acetate which binds to the receptors that progesterone normally binds to. It therefore prevents progesterone from performing its normal function, which is to release eggs to implant – and so works by delaying ovulation.

EllaOne should not be used as a regular method of contraception. You should only use it in an emergency after unprotected sex. It is less effective than regular contraception and, if used too frequently, it may disrupt your menstrual cycle. Although not recommended, in an emergency ellaOne can be used again, but it is important to check this with a doctor first. If you find you need it regularly it is best to consider other methods of contraception.

Since EllaOne is designed to be used in an emergency, it is slightly less effective than ordinary contraceptive pills if they are taken correctly. It can also cause some side effects, as stated below.

Most women can take ellaOne. Data suggests however that ellaOne is less effective in people with a BMI of 30 or higher or weigh more than 85kg. If this is the case an emergency copper coil would be the most effective method of contraception. In all women, emergency contraception should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, regardless of their body weight or BMI.

You should not take ellaOne if you are already pregnant.

Women who also suffer from gastrointestinal and malabsorption problems need to inform their doctor of their condition, as the active ingredient in ellaOne might not be absorbed properly and treatment might be ineffective. In these cases, having a coil fitted can be a more suitable option for emergency contraception (the coil needs to be fitted within 5 days of the intercourse). It is also important to mention previous ectopic pregnancies to your doctor, as well as any medication you are currently taking.

It’s also not recommended if you have severe asthma or take certain medications such as:

• certain medicines used to treat epilepsy
• certain medicines used to treat HIV
• certain antibiotics or antifungal medications
• antacid medications for indigestion such as omeprazole or lansoprazole
• the herbal remedy St John's wort
• any medications containing the hormone progesterone
• weight loss medications

No, there are no known interactions between ellaOne and any particular food.

Yes. There is no interaction between ellaOne and alcohol.

No. We have a team of doctors who will review all the information you give us and if ellaOne is suitable for you, you can buy the treatment from ZAVA and we will send it to you. It can also be bought over the counter in most pharmacies.

The treatment is 98–99% effective at preventing pregnancy if taken before ovulation and as instructed. However it’s recommended to take a pregnancy test 3 weeks after any episodes of unprotected sex. Your next period may be earlier or later than usual and may be heavier or lighter than expected. See your doctor as soon as possible if your period is more than 7 days late.

The tablets are round and white with “ella” on both sides.

If you’re taking a contraceptive pill and missed it recently, you can still take ellaOne, but you may need to wait to restart your pill as the medications could interact making them both less effective . You need to wait 5 days after taking ellaOne before you restart your regular contraception, and ensure you use additional contraception, like condoms until your regular contraception is effective again.

Please note that ellaOne only prevents pregnancies resulting from unprotected sex that has occurred in the days before taking it, and not any episodes that have happened after the emergency contraceptive pill has been taken.

If you vomit or have diarrhoea within 3 hours of taking the tablet, you need to take another. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist immediately.

• nausea and vomiting
• fatigue
• abdominal pain, muscle pain
• sore breasts
• painful period pains
• back pain, pelvic pain
• headaches
• feeling faint/dizzy*
• changes in your mood

*EllaOne will not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, unless you experience the dizziness and faintness that up to 1 in 10 women report.

Many of these symptoms should disappear within a few days. However, if they continue, you should consult your doctor immediately.

• Diarrhoea, constipation, heartburn
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding unusual period (lighter, heavier, or longer period than usual)
• Vaginal inflammation or discharge
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Nose/throat infection, fever, flu
• Acne
• Migraine
• Visual disturbance

• Genital itching and pain
• Coloured urine, kidney stones, kidney and bladder pain
• Acid reflux (from your stomach into your throat)
• Vertigo, disorientation, fainting, smell & taste disturbance
• Eye infection, sensitivity to light
• Dehydration
• Nose bleeds
• Hives
• Joint pain

• are allergic to any of the ingredients in a tablet
• are already pregnant
• are lactose intolerant
• have severe liver disease
• are taking steroids for sever athsma
• have used another emergency contraceptive containing the active ingredient in Levonelle (levonorgestrel) in the last 7 days

• are breastfeeding*
• have severe asthma
• are taking medications to treat epilepsy (e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine)
• are taking any medications for indigestion or heartburn such as lansoprazole or omeprazole
• are taking any medications to treat HIV (e.g. ritonavir)
• are taking any medications to treat bacterial infections or tuberculosis (e.g. rifampicin which may prevent oral contraception from working)
• are taking any herbal remedies containing St. John’s wort

* It is recommended that you do NOT breastfeed for one week after taking ellaOne