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Ulipristal Acetate

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Ella

Ulipristal Acetate - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Ulipristal Acetate cause?

Common side effects include:

  • Breakthrough bleeding
    • You may experience some spotting or bleeding within 2 - 3 days after taking the tablet. 
    • In the majority of cases, your next menses should start as expected or within 5 - 7 days of the expected date.
    • However, if your menses is more than 7 days later, it is recommended to get a pregnancy test. 
    • If you experience heavy or prolonged periods of bleeding, or very bad stomach pain, you should consult your healthcare professional.
  • Nausea and vomiting
    • Take the medication after food to reduce this side effect.
  • Headache
    • You may take Paracetamol to manage the headache.
  • Breast tenderness
  • Dizziness, fatigue
    • Avoid activities that require mental alertness and avoid using heavy machineries.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Ulipristal Acetate , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
  • You may already be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
  • You have severe liver disease, severe asthma or any other medical condition.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Ulipristal Acetate ?

​Some medications may prevent this medication from working effectively. Inform your healthcare professional if you have taken any medication during the last 4 weeks to ensure the correct type of emergency contraceptive has been prescribed for you.

Ulipristal Acetate - Additional Information

​When can I start my regular hormonal contraception after taking this medication?

You can start/restart hormonal contraception e.g. birth control pills 5 days after taking Ella®. You must also use a barrier method (for example; condoms, diaphragms and spermicides) until your next menstrual period, or not have sexual intercourse.

Using a hormonal birth control method and taking Ella® at the same time can reduce the effectiveness of both medications.

  • Updated on 10/31/2022 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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