Ulipristal is an emergency contraceptive that prevents pregnancy. You can take this medication within 5 days after unprotected sex or if you think your form of contraceptive didn’t work. You can take this tablet by mouth as soon after the event as possible.
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ULIPRISTAL (UE li pris tal) can prevent pregnancy. It should be taken as soon as possible in the 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex or if you think your contraceptive didn't work. It belongs to a group of medications called emergency contraceptives. It does not prevent HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): ella
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with or without food. Your care team may want you to use a quick-response pregnancy test prior to using the tablets. Take your medication as soon as possible and not more than 5 days (120 hours) after the event. This medication can be taken at any time during your menstrual cycle. Follow the dose instructions of your care team exactly.
Contact your care team right away if you vomit within 3 hours of taking your medication to discuss if you need to take another tablet.
A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. The sheet may change often.
Contact your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
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NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
This medication is not for regular use. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking your dose, contact your care team for instructions.
This medication may interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Your period may begin a few days earlier or later than expected. If your period is more than 7 days late, pregnancy is possible. See your care team as soon as you can and get a pregnancy test.
Talk to your care team before taking this medication if you know or suspect that you are pregnant. Contact your care team if you think you may be pregnant and have taken this medication.
If you have severe abdominal pain about 3 to 5 weeks after taking this medication you may have a pregnancy outside the womb, which is called an ectopic or tubal pregnancy. Call your care team or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you think this is happening.
Talk to your care team about reliable forms of contraception. Emergency contraception is not to be used routinely to prevent pregnancy. It should not be used more than once in the same menstrual cycle. Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. Wait at least 5 days after taking this medication to start or continue estrogen or progestin contraceptive medications. Also, a barrier contraceptive, such as a condom or diaphragm, is recommended between the time you take this medication and until your next menstrual period.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep in the blister card inside the original box until you are ready to take it. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.