EllaOne – Use | Dose | Side Effects
EllaOne is a medicine that contains active substance called ulipristal acetate. It belongs to the group of sex hormones and modulators of the genital system. It is used for emergency contraception within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse. It is very effective for preventing unintended pregnancies. In one study, only 1.8% of women who took this medicine within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse became pregnant while women who took this medicine between 72 – 120 hours after unprotected intercourse none became pregnant.
This medicine is also effective for the treatment of uterine fibroids (reduce the size of the fibroids).
Precautions
EllaOne (ulipristil acetate) should be avoided in the following conditions:
In patients who are allergic to the active substance ulipristal acetate or other similar medications.
During pregnancy.
In patients under the age of 18.
This medicine should be used only with extra precautions in patients with asthma or in patients with renal impairment or liver impairment because there is insufficient data on safety of this medicine in these patients.
This medicine should not be used as a regular birth control. It should not replace a regular method of contraception.
Keep in mind that using EllaOne (ulipristil acetate) with regular contraception method (birth control pills) can reduce effectiveness of both medications to prevent unintended pregnancy. It is therefore recommended to use additional contraception for at least two weeks.
Use of EllaOne during pregnancy and breastfeeding
EllaOne (ulipristil acetate) should not be used during pregnancy! You should do a pregnancy test before you start taking this medicine. If you are pregnant, you should not take this medicine!
This medicine probably passes into breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding while using this medication. Wait at least 2 days after you take this medication before you breastfeed again.
How to use
For emergency contraception: You should take one pill within 120 hours after unprotected intercourse. EllaOne (ulipristil acetate) can be taken with or without food, because the food does not affect its effectiveness.
It can be used at any point during your menstrual cycle.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet.
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking this medication, take another pill as soon as possible.
Use with other medicines (Interactions)
EllaOne should be avoided in combination with the following medicines:
Medications used in the treatment of epilepsy, such as: carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and others. Concomitant use of EllaOne with these medicine can decrease the concentration of EllaOne in the blood and reduce its effectiveness. Tell your doctor if you are taking or have taken any of these medications in the past 3 weeks.
Medications used in the treatment of AIDS (HIV infection). Concomitant use of EllaOne with these medicine can decrease the concentration of EllaOne in the blood and reduce its effectiveness. Tell your doctor if you are taking or have taken any of these medications in the past 3 weeks.
Medications used to treat heartburn and gastric ulcers, such as: omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, antacids (the preparation of aluminum, magnesium, sodium, and others), rabeprazole, and others. Concomitant use of EllaOne with these medicines can decrease the concentration of EllaOne in the blood and reduce its effectiveness.
Regular contraception method (birth control pills). Keep in mind that using EllaOne with regular contraception method (birth control pills) can reduce effectiveness of both medications to prevent unintended pregnancy. It is therefore recommended to use additional contraception for at least two weeks.
St. John’s Wort. Concomitant use of EllaOne with this herb can decrease the concentration of EllaOne in the blood and reduce its effectiveness. Tell your doctor if you are taking or have taken this herb in the past 3 weeks.
Grapefruit.
Tell your doctor about all medications and herbal products you are taking.
Side effects
EllaOne may cause the following side effects: mood swings, emotional disorders, inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis), inflammation of the nose and pharynx (nasopharyngitis), inflammation of the eyelash follicles, conjunctivitis, insomnia, anxiety, migraine, nosebleed, tremor, cough, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, genital itching, muscle pain, joint pain, increased breast sensitivity, fatigue , allergy and others.
The most common side effects reported in the studies is headache.
This medicine is well tolerated and rarely causes side effects. Side effects, if they occur, are mild and short-lived.
References:
Glasier AF, Cameron ST, Fine Pm, and others. Ulipristal acetate versus levonorgestrel for emergency contraception: a randomized non-inferiority trial and meta-analysis. Lancet. 2010: 375(9714): 555-62.
Donnez J, Tatarchuk TF, Bouchard P, and others. Ulipristal acetate versus placebo for fibroid treatment before surgery. N Engl J Med. 2012: 366(5): 409-20.
Donnez J, Hudecek R, Donnez O, and others. Efficacy and safety of repeated use of ulipristal acetate in uterine fibroids. Fertil Steril. 2015: 103(2): 519-27.
Shilpa PJ, Dinesh MP. Ulipristal acetate, a progesterone receptor modulator for emergency contraception. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2012: 3(2): 109-11.
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