ellaOne 30mg Emergency Contraception Tablet

What is ellaOne 30mg Emergency Contraception Tablet?

ellaOne is an emergency contraceptive pill, often called the morning after pill. It is a single tablet taken after unprotected sex, or when your usual contraception may have failed, for example a missed pill or a split condom. It is for occasional use and does not replace a regular method of contraception.

How does it help?

Ulipristal acetate works by delaying or stopping the release of an egg (ovulation), so there is no egg for sperm to fertilise. It cannot work if ovulation has already happened, and it does not end a pregnancy that has already started, which is why it should be taken as soon as possible.

Key benefits

• Can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex
• A single tablet, taken with or without food
• Can be taken at any point in the menstrual cycle
• Our pharmacist reviews every request in confidence and can talk through your options

Who should take care?

Always read the patient information leaflet before use. Take it as soon as possible: it does not prevent pregnancy in every case, and it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. If you are sick within 3 hours of taking it, another tablet is needed, so contact us. It is not suitable if you are already pregnant. Some medicines taken in the last 4 weeks, including certain epilepsy medicines, rifampicin, rifabutin, griseofulvin, some HIV medicines and St John's wort, can stop it working, and a copper coil may be advised instead. It is not recommended with severe liver problems or with severe asthma treated with steroid tablets, and it should not be taken alongside a levonorgestrel emergency pill. Breastfeeding is not recommended for one week after taking it; express and discard your milk during that time. It can make the contraceptive pill, patch or ring less effective, so use condoms until your next period. If your period is more than 7 days late, is unusual, or you have signs of pregnancy, take a pregnancy test. Our pharmacist checks it is right for you before it is supplied.