What is Ulipristal: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Ulipristal is an emergency contraceptive pill that can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It's often called the "morning-after pill," though it works effectively for up to 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse. This medication gives you a longer window of protection compared to other emergency contraceptives, making it a valuable option when you need it most.

What is Ulipristal?

Ulipristal is a selective progesterone receptor modulator that works as emergency contraception. It's a single-dose pill that you take by mouth to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. The medication is designed specifically for emergency situations and isn't meant for regular birth control use.

This medication works by delaying or preventing ovulation, which means it stops your ovaries from releasing an egg. If there's no egg available for sperm to fertilize, pregnancy cannot occur. Ulipristal is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, but it remains effective for up to 5 days.

What is Ulipristal Used For?

Ulipristal is used specifically for emergency contraception when you need to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. This includes situations like contraceptive failure, missed birth control pills, or unprotected intercourse. It's your backup plan when your regular birth control method fails or wasn't used.

The medication is particularly helpful when you're beyond the typical 72-hour window for other emergency contraceptives. Since ulipristal works effectively for up to 120 hours, it gives you more time to access emergency contraception. This extended timeframe can be crucial if you can't get to a pharmacy or healthcare provider immediately.

How Does Ulipristal Work?

Ulipristal works by blocking progesterone receptors in your body, which delays or prevents ovulation. It's considered a strong and effective emergency contraceptive because it can work even close to the time of ovulation. The medication essentially pauses your reproductive cycle temporarily to prevent pregnancy.

Unlike some other emergency contraceptives, ulipristal can be effective even when taken during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle. This means it works throughout different phases of your cycle, giving you reliable protection when you need it most. The medication doesn't affect an existing pregnancy and won't harm a developing fetus if you're already pregnant.

How Should I Take Ulipristal?

Take ulipristal as a single 30mg tablet by mouth with water as soon as possible after unprotected sex. You can take it with or without food, though taking it on an empty stomach might help with absorption. Don't crush, chew, or break the tablet – swallow it whole for best results.

If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the medication, you'll need to take another dose since your body may not have absorbed the full amount. Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist if this happens, as you'll need a replacement dose. Taking the medication with a light snack can help reduce nausea if you're prone to stomach upset.

How Long Should I Take Ulipristal For?

Ulipristal is a one-time dose medication that you take just once per episode of unprotected sex. You don't take it for multiple days or as an ongoing treatment. One tablet provides the complete dose needed for emergency contraception.

If you have unprotected sex again after taking ulipristal, you would need another dose for that separate incident. However, you shouldn't use ulipristal repeatedly within the same menstrual cycle, as this can disrupt your cycle and reduce effectiveness. For ongoing contraception needs, talk to your healthcare provider about regular birth control options.

What Are the Side Effects of Ulipristal?

Most people tolerate ulipristal well, but some side effects can occur as your body responds to the medication. These effects are usually mild and temporary, resolving on their own within a few days.

Here are the most common side effects you might experience:

• Nausea and stomach discomfort
• Headache and dizziness
• Breast tenderness
• Fatigue and mood changes
• Changes in your next menstrual period
• Lower abdominal pain or cramping

Your menstrual cycle might be affected after taking ulipristal, which is completely normal. Your next period could be earlier or later than expected, and it might be heavier or lighter than usual.

Some people experience less common but still normal side effects, including:

• Muscle pain and back pain
• Hot flashes
• Vaginal discharge changes
• Acne breakouts
• Dry mouth

Serious side effects are rare but can include severe allergic reactions, persistent heavy bleeding, or severe abdominal pain. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, severe rash, or pain that doesn't improve with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Who Should Not Take Ulipristal?

Ulipristal isn't suitable for everyone, and certain conditions make it unsafe to use. You shouldn't take this medication if you're already pregnant, as it won't end an existing pregnancy and isn't needed if conception has already occurred.

People with severe liver problems should avoid ulipristal because the medication is processed through the liver. If you have liver disease or take medications that affect liver function, talk to your healthcare provider about safer alternatives. Your liver needs to be healthy to properly process this medication.

You should also avoid ulipristal if you're taking certain medications that can interfere with its effectiveness:

• Rifampin and other tuberculosis medications
• Phenytoin and other seizure medications
• Carbamazepine and mood stabilizers
• St. John's Wort supplements
• Some HIV medications

If you're breastfeeding, you can take ulipristal, but you should pump and discard breast milk for 36 hours after taking the medication. This prevents the medication from passing to your baby through breast milk.

Ulipristal Brand Names

Ulipristal is available under the brand name ella in the United States. This is the most common brand name you'll encounter when looking for this emergency contraceptive. Some other countries may have different brand names, but the active ingredient remains the same.

When asking for ulipristal at the pharmacy, you can ask for either "ella" or "ulipristal acetate." Both names refer to the same medication. The brand name ella is widely recognized by pharmacists and healthcare providers.

Ulipristal Alternatives

If ulipristal isn't available or suitable for you, other emergency contraceptive options exist. Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) is the most common alternative, though it's only effective for up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. This gives you a shorter window compared to ulipristal's 120-hour effectiveness.

The copper IUD is another highly effective emergency contraceptive option that can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. It's over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can provide long-term contraception afterward. However, it requires a healthcare provider visit and minor procedure for insertion.

For people who can't use hormonal emergency contraceptives, the copper IUD becomes the best option. It works by preventing fertilization and implantation without using hormones. Your healthcare provider can help you decide which option works best for your situation.

Is Ulipristal Better Than Plan B?

Ulipristal offers several advantages over Plan B (levonorgestrel), particularly in timing and effectiveness. The main benefit is ulipristal's longer window of effectiveness – it works for up to 120 hours compared to Plan B's 72-hour window. This gives you more time to access emergency contraception when you need it.

Research shows that ulipristal maintains its effectiveness better over time compared to Plan B. While both medications work best when taken as soon as possible, ulipristal doesn't lose effectiveness as quickly as the hours pass. This makes it a more reliable option if you can't take emergency contraception immediately.

However, Plan B is more widely available and can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription in many places. Ulipristal typically requires a prescription in most countries, which can create barriers to access. The choice between them often depends on how quickly you can access each medication and how much time has passed since unprotected sex.