Ulipristal Acetate
- Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications
What side effects can
Ulipristal Acetate
cause?
Common side effects include:
- Breakthrough bleeding
- You may experience some spotting or bleeding within 2 - 3 days after taking the tablet.
- In the majority of cases, your next menses should start as expected or within 5 - 7 days of the expected date.
- However, if your menses is more than 7 days later, it is recommended to get a pregnancy test.
- If you experience heavy or prolonged periods of bleeding, or very bad stomach pain, you should consult your healthcare professional.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Take the medication after food to reduce this side effect.
- Headache
- You may take Paracetamol to manage the headache.
- Breast tenderness
- Dizziness, fatigue
- Avoid activities that require mental alertness and avoid using heavy machineries.
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
Before taking
Ulipristal Acetate
, what precautions must I follow?
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
- You may already be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
- You have severe liver disease, severe asthma or any other medical condition.
What food or medicine must I avoid when I take
Ulipristal Acetate
?
Some medications may prevent this medication from working effectively. Inform your healthcare professional if you have taken any medication during the last 4 weeks to ensure the correct type of emergency contraceptive has been prescribed for you.
Ulipristal Acetate
- Additional Information
When can I start my regular hormonal contraception after taking this medication?
You can start/restart hormonal contraception e.g. birth control pills 5 days after taking Ella®. You must also use a barrier method (for example; condoms, diaphragms and spermicides) until your next menstrual period, or not have sexual intercourse.
Using a hormonal birth control method and taking Ella® at the same time can reduce the effectiveness of both medications.
