ella

Generic name:ulipristal [ UE-li-PRIS-tal ]
Drug class:Progesterone receptor modulators

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 30, 2020.

What is ella?

ella is an emergency contraceptive. It works by stopping or delaying the release of an egg from an ovary. Ulipristal may also make it harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

ella is used to prevent pregnancy after having sex without using a condom or other effective birth control method. It is also used to prevent pregnancy after a regular form of birth control has failed. This medicine is not to be used as a regular form of daily, weekly, or monthly birth control.

ELLA SHOULD NOT BE USED TO TERMINATE AN EXISTING PREGNANCY.

Warnings

ella is not to be used as a regular form of daily, weekly, or monthly birth control.

ella can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use if you are already pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

Before you take this medicine, tell your doctor if you have a history of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, or if your last menstrual period was less than 4 weeks ago. Also tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Call your doctor if your next menstrual period is more than 1 week late. You will need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Do not take a second course. Call your doctor at once if you have severe pain in your lower stomach (especially on only one side) 3 to 5 weeks after using this medicine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use ella if you have already confirmed that you are pregnant, or if you are allergic to ulipristal.

Do not use this medicine if you have not yet started having menstrual periods, or if you are past menopause.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy; or

• if your last menstrual period was more than 4 weeks ago.

This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use emergency contraception if you are already pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

Ulipristal can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take ella?

Take ella exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

ella is usually given as soon as possible after unprotected sex or failed birth control method (such as a condom that broke during sex). Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. ella can be taken any time during your menstrual cycle, but you must use the medicine within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.

If you vomit within 3 hours after taking the tablet, your medication may not be as effective. Call your doctor to discuss the need for taking another dose.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

After taking ella, you should use a barrier form of birth cont...