EllaOne 30mg Tablet

EllaOne is a ‘morning after pill’ that is taken in a single dose for emergency contraception. EllaOne is the newest form of ‘morning after pill’ available and be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive accident and still remain effective. EllaOne is thought to be up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy as long as it is taken within 120 hours of the incident. It is the most effective morning after pill in the UK¹.

EllaOne is not a regular contraceptive method and should not be used more than once per menstrual cycle. It will not interrupt an existing pregnancy and does not affect your fertility.

How does EllaOne work?

EllaOne contains the hormone ulipristal acetate. It acts to prevent the release of eggs from the ovaries during ovulation and to reduce the chance of a fertilised egg implanting in the womb.

Taking EllaOne

EllaOne should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after sex and still be effective. It can be taken at any point in your cycle.

After taking EllaOne

A very small minority of women feel sick after taking EllaOne, if you are sick within 3 hours of taking the tablet you must obtain a further supply as it will not be effective.

EllaOne may cause your next period to come earlier or later than normal, and it may be heavier or lighter than usual.

You should continue using your regular method of contraception after taking EllaOne, emergency contraception will not protect you for the rest of your cycle.

EllaOne Tablet warnings

EllaOne can make hormonal contraceptives, such as pills or patches, less effective. After taking EllaOne you should continue to use your regular hormonal contraceptive and also use condoms until your next period.

The following medicines may make EllaOne work less well:

• Phenytoin, fosphenytoine, phenobarbital, primidone, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine (used to treat epilepsy)
• Ritonavir, efavirenz, nevirapine (used to treat HIV infection)
• Rifampicin, rifabutin (used to treat tuberculosis)
• St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) or herbal medicines that contain it (used for depression or anxiety).

If you are taking any of the above medicines you should discuss emergency contraception with your GP to ensure that it is effective.

Do not take EllaOne if your period is already overdue as you may already be pregnant. You should see your GP or family planning clinic.

EllaOne should not replace your regular methods of contraception, such as the pill or condoms; these are more reliable and effective.