Ella

Brand Names

Ella

What is Ella

Ella (ulipristal) is a birth control contraceptive medicine. It is used as a prevention of pregnancy after unprotected sex or after failure of another birth control method. Ella works by delaying ovulation process. It is made by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

It is not recommended to use Ella regularly.

Side effects of Ella

If you have a severe pain in your lower stomach (especially on only one side) 3-5 weeks after using ella, you should stop taking it.

If you have noticed any of these serious side effects, you should inform your doctor at once:

• signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
• headache
• nausea
• stomach pain
• menstrual pain
• fatigue
• dizziness

There is a small probability that after taking ella you may have your menstrual period earlier or later than expected by a few days.Women taking ella in clinical trials had an increase in cycle length by an average of 2.5 days. If your period is more than a week late, you should contact your doctor and take a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Remember that Ella can't guarantee the exact prevention of pregnancy.

Indication

Ella contains ulipristal acetate which blocks the effects of progesterone and delays ovulation. Ella may also alter the lining of the uterus (endometrium) which could prevent a fertilized egg from implanting.

Using this medication during pregnancy may cause a miscarriage.

Ella is a birth control drug you should take it ONLY according to your doctor’s prescription, using at any time during your monthly period with or without food, but not than one time.

Precautions

Ella cannot protect you completely from pregnancy. If you have severe lower abdominal or stomach pain 3-5 weeks after using ella you may have a pregnancy outside of the uterus (womb) which is called an ectopic pregnancy. It can cause problems that may make it harder for you to become pregnant in the future.

It will be very harmful for the unborn baby if you take ella during pregnancy or breastfeeding period that's why your doctor should give you a pregnancy test before you start using this medicine.

Effectivness of ella in women varies according to women's weight.

Your birth control pills or patch aren't very effective while you are taking ella. Using your birth control medicines together with condoms, diaphragms or contraceptive foams during sexual contact is recommended after finishing ella treatment.

Remember that ella will not protect you from getting HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Dosage forms

You must follow your doctor's orders, because the dose of ella will be different for different patients. You cannot change your dose unless your doctor tells you to do so.

For emergency contraception (oral dosage form (tablets)):

Adults— 1 tablet as soon as possible within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex or after failure of another birth control method.

Children— dose must be determined by your doctor.