Where do I get ella?

Click here to see how you can get ella.

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How does ella work?

ella works primarily by stopping or delaying ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). It is possible that ella may also work by preventing attachment to the uterus.1

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How well does ella work?

In clinical studies, most women did not become pregnant when they used ella. If ella is taken as directed, it will reduce the chance that you will get pregnant. ella is not effective in every case. ella is only to be used for a single episode of unprotected intercourse. After using ella, you should use a reliable barrier method of birth control (such as a condom with spermicide) during any other times that you have sex in that same menstrual cycle. In addition, be sure to start or continue to use a regular birth control method the next time you have sex. ella and other emergency contraceptives may be less effective in women with a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2. In a group of women with BMI >30 kg/m2, ella had a lower pregnancy rate than levonorgestrel.1

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How do I take ella?

ella is just one pill and it can be taken anytime during your monthly cycle. You can take ella on an empty stomach or after a meal. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you vomit within 3 hours of taking ella. Your healthcare provider may prescribe another dose of ella for you.1

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When should I take ella?

ella should be taken as soon as possible within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex or birth control failure.1

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How often can I use ella?

You should only use ella when your birth control fails or you have sex without birth control. ella is meant for emergency contraception only, and is not to be used frequently or as a regular birth control method. If you need to use emergency contraception often, talk to your healthcare provider and learn about methods for birth control and sexually transmitted disease prevention that are right for you.1

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Can I use ella for regular birth control?

Do not use ella as a regular birth control method. It does not work as well as most other forms of birth control when they are used consistently and correctly.1

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How will I know if ella worked?

After taking ella, your next monthly menstrual period may begin a few days earlier or later than expected. If your period is more than 7 days later than expected, you may be pregnant. You should get a pregnancy test and follow up with your healthcare provider.1

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Are there any side effects?

In studies, the most common side effects were1:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Menstrual pain (cramps)
  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness

The side effects of ella are similar to other emergency contraceptives like Plan B® One-Step and Next Choice®.1,4,5 Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of ella. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.1

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When shouldn't I take ella?

You should not use ella if you are already pregnant. Do not use ella more than one time in the same monthly menstrual cycle for different acts of unprotected sex or birth control failure. Do not use ella as a regular birth control method. It does not work as well as most other forms of birth control when they are used consistently and correctly. Do not take ella if you are breastfeeding, because it is not known if ella passes into breast milk.1

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Can I use my regular birth control pills with ella?

Be sure to start or continue to use a regular birth control method the next time you have sex. Using ella may make your regular birth control pills less effective. Talk to your healthcare provider if you use birth control pills. In addition, after using ella, you should use a reliable barrier method of birth control (such as a condom with spermicide) during any other times that you have sex in that same menstrual cycle.1

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How do I protect against pregnancy after taking ella?

After using ella, you should use a reliable barrier method of birth control (such as a condom with spermicide) during any other times that you have sex in that same menstrual cycle.1

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When does ella expire?

Check the expiration date printed on the product packaging before taking ella. Do not take product that is expired and contact your healthcare provider.

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What if I vomit after taking ella?

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you vomit within 3 hours of taking ella. Your healthcare provider may prescribe another dose of ella for you.1

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Need more information about ella?

Talk to your healthcare provider, visit your local Planned Parenthood clinic, or call 855-ELLANOW (855-355-2669) to find out more.

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Next Choice is a registered trademark of Watson Pharma, Inc.
Plan B is a registered trademark of Women's Capital Corporation, a subsidiary of Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.


+-References

  1. ella® prescribing information. Morristown, NJ: Watson Pharma, Inc. August 2010.
  2. Gould JE, Overstreet JW, Hanson FW. Assessment of human sperm function after recovery from the female reproductive tract. Biol Reprod. 1984;31(5):888-894.
  3. Brache V, Cochon L, Jesam C, et al. Immediate pre-ovulatory administration of 30 mg ulipristal acetate significantly delays follicular rupture. Hum Reprod. 2010;25(9):2256-2263.
  4. Plan B® One-Step prescribing information. Pomona, NY: Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. August 2009.
  5. Next Choice® prescribing information. Corona, CA: Watson Pharma, Inc. August 2009.
  6. Mifeprex® prescribing information. New York, NY: Danco Laboratories, LLC. July 2005.
  7. Morning-after pill (emergency contraception). Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/emergency-contraception-morning-after-pill-4363.html. Accessed October 5, 2010.

ella is a prescription emergency contraceptive that reduces your chance of becoming pregnant if your birth control fails or you have unprotected sex.

Important Safety Information

The most common side effects of ella (ulipristal acetate) tablets include headache, stomach pain, nausea, menstrual pain, tiredness, and dizziness. You should not take ella if you know or suspect you are already pregnant, and ella should not replace your regular birth control method. Do not use ella more than one time in the same menstrual cycle. ella is not for use to end an existing pregnancy. If you become pregnant or have lower stomach pain after taking ella, you should be evaluated for an ectopic pregnancy. ella may cause your period to be earlier or later than expected. If your period is more than a week late, you should get a pregnancy test. After taking ella, you are likely to be fertile again very quickly, thus, you should continue or start using a regular birth control method as soon as possible to prevent pregnancy. ella will not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.