Brand Names: ella

Generic Name: ulipristal (Pronunciation: UE li PRIS tal)

• What is ulipristal (Ella)?
• What are the possible side effects of ulipristal (Ella)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ulipristal (Ella)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ulipristal (Ella)?
• How should I take ulipristal (Ella)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Ella)?
• What happens if I overdose (Ella)?
• What should I avoid while taking ulipristal (Ella)?
• What other drugs will affect ulipristal (Ella)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ulipristal (Ella)?

Ulipristal 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.

Ulipristal is used to prevent pregnancy after having sex without using a condom or other effective birth control method. Ulipristal is also used to prevent pregnancy after a regular form of birth control has failed.

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

Ulipristal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of ulipristal (Ella)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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 ulipristal.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• dizziness, tired feeling;
• nausea, stomach pain; or
• menstrual pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Ella (ulipristal acetate tablet) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about ulipristal (Ella)?

Ulipristal is not to be used as a regular form of daily, weekly, or monthly birth control, and SHOULD NOT BE USED TO TERMINATE AN EXISTING PREGNANCY.

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

Before you take ulipristal, 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 of ulipristal.

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 ulipristal.