Ella emergency contraception pill: what to know

Ella contains ulipristal acetate, which acts on progesterone receptors and can postpone ovulation. It is intended for emergency use after contraceptive failure or sex without contraception. It cannot interrupt an established pregnancy. It also does not provide ongoing contraception for the rest of the cycle, and it does not prevent sexually transmitted infections.

Your next period may arrive earlier or later than expected. Nausea, headache, abdominal discomfort, tiredness, breast tenderness, or temporary changes in bleeding can occur. These effects are usually short-lived, but a clinician can help if they are troublesome.

Take ella as soon as possible after the unprotected sex for which you need emergency contraception, following the product instructions or a pharmacist’s advice. Tell the pharmacist about regular medicines, especially hormonal contraception, medicines for seizures, tuberculosis, or HIV, and herbal remedies such as St John’s wort. Ask when to restart or begin regular hormonal contraception, because timing can affect how the medicines work. Use condoms or avoid sex until reliable ongoing contraception is active. If you vomit soon after taking the tablet, contact a pharmacist or clinician about whether another dose is needed.

Take a pregnancy test if your period is late or unusually light, or if pregnancy symptoms develop. Contact a clinician for persistent lower abdominal pain, especially with a late period, because an ectopic pregnancy needs prompt assessment. Seek urgent care for severe pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, or heavy bleeding. Emergency contraception does not replace care after sexual assault; confidential support is available.

Ask whether ella suits your medicines and health history, when to restart regular contraception, whether a copper intrauterine device is an option, and when to test for pregnancy or infections.