EllaONE - Morning After Pill

EllaOne is a new emergency hormonal contraceptive and is the most effective Morning After Pill available on the market at preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex. Unlike the older emergency contraceptives, EllaONE can be used up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sexual intercourse and maintains a 95% success rate right up to the 5th day. Altough its still advisable to take the treatment as soon as possible after sex. 

How EllaOne works

EllaOne is suitable for any woman of childbearing age and does not alter the menstrual cycle at all in the long term. Its active ingredient Ulipristal works by preventing ovulation (release of an egg) from the ovaries. Without the egg being present in the womb, there cannot be pregnancy. 

EllaOne only works if you are not already pregnant and cannot interrupt an existing pregnancy. If there is a chance that you could already be pregnant then you will need to visit the GP to discuss further options.

If you have unprotected sex after taking EllaOne, it will not stop you from becoming pregnant. Unprotected sex at any time during your cycle can lead to pregnancy. EllaOne should NOT be viewed as an option for regular contraception. If you are engaging in unprotected sex more often, then a discussion about everyday contraceptive pills should be had with your GP. 

EllaOne does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Only condoms can protect you from sexually transmitted infections. If you are worried that you have a sexually transmitted infection please speak to your GP, visit your nearest GUM clinic or find out more about Chlamydia Treatment here.

How to take the EllaOne tablet

• Take one tablet by mouth as soon as possible and no later than 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Take the tablet without delay.
• You can take EllaOne at any time in your cycle.
• You can take EllaOne at any time of the day either before, during or after a meal.

If you vomit (be sick, throw up) within 3 hours of taking the tablet, take another tablet as soon as possible.

If you have unprotected sex after taking EllaOne, it will not stop you from becoming pregnant.

After you take EllaOne and until your next period comes, you should use condoms every time you have sex.

After taking EllaOne, it is normal for your next period to be a few days late. However, if your period is more than 7 days late; if it is unusually light or unusually heavy; or if you experience symptoms such as abdominal (stomach) pain, breast tenderness, vomiting or nausea, you may be pregnant. You should do a pregnancy test right away. If you are pregnant, it is important that you see your doctor.

If you take more EllaOne than you should

There have been no reports of harmful effects from taking a higher dose than recommended of this medicine However do ask your pharmacist, doctor or other healthcare professional for advice.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 

Common side effects (these may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Nausea, abdominal (stomach) pain or discomfort, vomiting
• Painful periods, pelvic pain, breast tenderness
• Headache, dizziness, mood swings
• Muscle pain, back pain, tiredness 

For a full list of side effects please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

If you miss your period and experience such symptoms after taking EllaOne, you should do a pregnancy test and contact your GP.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the above description and patient information leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for “MHRA yellowcard” in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.