EllaOne

About EllaOne

ellaOne is an emergency contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy if another method of contraception has failed or after having unprotected sex. This is also referred to as a ‘morning after pill’. ellaOne alters the activity of the hormone progesterone, which is required for ovulation, and postpones the release of an egg. This means that there is no egg for the sperm to fertilise and pregnancy is prevented if you have not already ovulated before taking the pill. It is therefore important to take ellaOne as quickly as possible increase the effectiveness of this medication.

How effective is ellaOne in preventing pregnancy?

No method of contraception is 100% effective. ellaOne can prevent up to 98% of pregnancies although effectiveness is dependent on how soon it is taken after unprotected sex.

How does the morning after pill work?

Levonelle and ellaOne, both work by preventing or delaying ovulation (release of an egg). Both pills are Prescription Only Medicine (POM) and available from Dr Felix.

How long after unprotected sex / contraception failure is ellaOne effective?

ellaOne is most effective when taken within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex. It should therefore be taken as soon as possible, although it can be used within 5 days after contraception failure or having unprotected sex.

Do you have to be a certain age to take ellaOne?

ellaOne can be used by women of childbearing age, including adolescents.

What if I vomit after taking ellaOne?

If you are sick within 3 hours of taking an ellaOne tablet you should take another as soon as possible.

What is the difference between ellaOne and Levonelle?

Levonelle is the most commonly used morning after pill. It can be taken up to three days (72 hours) after having unprotected sex. ellaOne is a newer type of emergency contraceptive pill that can be taken up to five days (120 hours) after having unprotected sex.

Which pill is more effective?

ellaOne is slightly more effective than Levonelle. Studies show, if they are taken in the first 72 hours (3 days) after intercourse, pregnancy rates are close to 2 in 100 with Levonelle and 1.5 in 100 with ellaOne. EllaOne remains effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse.

Cautions

• ellaOne should not be used as a regular method of contraception.
• Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• Consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking ellaOne if you suffer from severe asthma or liver disease.
• If you are breastfeeding, do not breastfeed your baby for one week after taking ellaOne.
• You should seek medical advice before taking ellaOne if there is a possibility you may already be pregnant.
• ellaOne can make regular hormonal contraceptives less effective; therefore use of a hormonal contraceptive can be continued after taking ellaOne although you should use a condom as an additional precaution until your next period.
• You should not use ellaOne together with another emergency contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel as this can make ellaOne less effective.

ellaOne contains the active ingredient ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator, which prevents ovulation to protect against pregnancy.

One ellaOne tablet should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex at any time of the day with or without food. It cannot be taken any later than 5 days after unprotected sex or contraception failure.

Common side effects of taking ellaOne include

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Painful periods
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mood swings
• Muscle pain

Uncommon side effects of taking ellaOne include:

• Diarrhoea
• Heartburn
• Wind
• Hot flushes
• Acne
• Change in appetite
• Influenza

Rare side effects of taking ellaOne include:

• Genital pain
• Pain during sex
• Loss of concentration
• Vertigo
• Disturbance in taste
• Hives

Please read the following information carefully before starting treatment – EllaOne