EllaOne is a new kind of “morning after pill” which was licensed for use in the UK in May 2009. Unlike other well-known emergency contraceptives (ECs) such as Levonelle (Levonorgestrel), it works for up to five days after sex, rather than three days. It contains the active ingredient ulipristal acetate, which is a synthetic version of progesterone (a female sex hormone). This helps prevent pregnancy in two ways – by thickening the womb lining so that it’s harder for sperm to implant, and by stopping the ovaries from releasing any eggs.
How to Use EllaOne
EllaOne is taken in tablet form as one 30mg dose, as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Trials* have shown that it can prevent pregnancy for up to five days after sex but it is more effective if taken immediately. It can interfere with progesterone-based contraceptive pills so another form of contraception (such as condoms) should be used in the meantime. Consult a GP for advice on this.
EllaOne can be taken at any time of the menstrual cycle except if a woman’s period is late, and pregnancy is a possibility.
Contraindications of EllaOne
According to the health website netdoctor.co.uk, EllaOne should not be taken:
- After five days of unprotected sex, or if a woman’s period is late, and she may be pregnant.
- By women who have a decreased liver function. The pill is taken orally so has to pass through the liver first before reaching the blood stream.
- By women under 18, as its effects haven’t been studied on this age group. However, in the UK it is available on prescription to under-16s.
- If there are hereditary problems which may affect a woman’s ability to absorb the drug – such as deficiencies or intolerance to galactose, lapp lactose, or glucose-galactose.
- If a woman is breastfeeding, she needs to stop for 36 hours after taking EllaOne to avoid passing on the medicine via her milk.
EllaOne: Common Side Effects
As with other forms of EC and the contraceptive pill, common side effects may include abdominal pain, urinary tract infections (UTIs), nausea, dizziness, headaches, indigestion, and mood swings and tiredness. Studies have shown that it can also change the regularity of the menstrual cycle – the next period may be a week early or a week or so late.
Emergency contraception has been available since 1984 but EllaOne is a new “morning-after pill” which isn’t as well known as Levonelle. However, it’s important that women know it exists because it can help to prevent an unwanted pregnancy if taken up to five days after sex. It is currently available on prescription from a GP or family planning clinic, and women will need to disclose any other medications they are taking (including herbal medicine), which may interfere with the efficacy of the product.
*In a study of 5,500 women published in medical journal The Lancet, EllaOne prevented 98% of pregnancies when taken five days after unprotected sex.
Sources:
National Electronic Library for Medicines: "Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) (updated April 10th 2010), by Alexandra Denby (accessed July 14th 2010)
Scarlet magazine: "Topic: EllaOne" by Jo Waters, May 2010 edition (accessed May 2010)
Netdoctor.co.uk "EllaOne (ulipristal acetate)" (accessed 14th July 2010)
Nicci Talbot - Nicci Talbot is a journalist and author specialising in sex, health & wellbeing. She edits Rude Magazine, an online resource for better ...
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