EllaOne

What is EllaOne?

EllaOne is a form of emergency contraception that comes in tablets. It can be taken up to five days after having unprotected sex, but the earlier you take it, the higher the chances of it being effective.

Emergency contraception is a method of birth control used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex occurs. But even if it’s taken within the ideal timeframe, there is a chance that it won’t work as expected. Regular contraception methods are much more effective and you shouldn’t replace them with emergency contraception. EllaOne also won’t protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Only barrier methods of contraception like condoms can do that.

How does EllaOne work?

The active ingredient in EllaOne, ulipristal acetate, protects you from becoming pregnant by changing how progesterone in your body works. It does this in three ways. It prevents or delays the ovaries from releasing an egg, it makes your uterine wall thinner, whilst also making your cervical fluid thicker, so sperm can’t move through it as easily.

What doses of EllaOne are there?

EllaOne is a single dose, 30mg treatment. It’s not effective if you’re already pregnant, and it’s not a regular form of contraception. It should only be used if you’ve had unprotected sex, if you or your partner’s condom broke, or if you didn’t take your contraceptive pill the way you should.

How to take EllaOne

• Take one tablet as soon as possible after unprotected sex occurs. Ideally within 24 hours, and no more than 120 hours (five days)
• You can take your tablet at any point in your cycle
• You can take EllaOne at any time of the day, preferably right before, during, or right after a meal
• If you vomit during the first three hours after taking the tablet, contact your pharmacy so you can get another one as soon as possible
• If you have sex shortly after taking EllaOne, it won’t prevent pregnancy, so you need to wear condoms at least until your next period
• EllaOne may not be as effective if you’re taking certain medications for epilepsy, tuberculosis, HIV, or fungal infections. Let our clinicians know if you’re taking any medications before you get EllaOne so they can make sure that it’s a safe and suitable option for you
• The most important thing you should do is take EllaOne exactly as our clinicians instruct you to. If you have any questions or concerns you can ask them too and they’ll respond quickly

How long does it take EllaOne to work?

EllaOne is usually effective almost immediately after taking it. But there is no definite way to tell if it has worked or not until your next period.

Even if you get your period as usual, you should still take a pregnancy test because that’s the only definitive way of knowing if you’re pregnant or not. If you have irregular periods, take a pregnancy test 21 days after having unprotected sex.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking EllaOne?

EllaOne should be taken up to five days after having unprotected sex. If it’s been over five days, you shouldn’t take it at all as it will no longer be effective.

There’s only one EllaOne tablet per box, so accidental overdose shouldn’t occur. If you vomit within three hours of taking your tablet, you need to contact a clinician as soon as possible because you may need to take another one.

Medically reviewed by

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

on August 02, 2022.

Meet Daniel