When to take the EllaOne® morning after pill?
Have you had unprotected sex? Did your regular contraception let you down? If so, don’t panic. EllaOne® , the most effective morning after pill*, can help you prevent pregnancy when taken as soon as possible.
If you have questions about EllaOne®, we have answers that can put your mind at ease. Whether you’re wondering if EllaOne® is suitable for you, or how many times you can take the morning after pill, or anything else, read on for commonly asked questions and answers.
When is the best time to take the morning after pill EllaOne®
If you’ve had unprotected sex, the condom broke or if you forgot to take your regular contraceptive pill, you can help protect yourself from an unplanned pregnancy by taking EllaOne®, the most effective morning after pill*. EllaOne® is most effective when taken as soon as possible, but it can be effective up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.
How do you take the morning after pill EllaOne®?
EllaOne® is a single oral contraceptive pill which can be taken with some water any time of the day. If you vomit within three hours of taking EllaOne®, you should contact your pharmacist or GP as you may need to take another pill.
When should I not take the morning after pill EllaOne®?
You should not take EllaOne® if:
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You are already pregnant
EllaOne® is not suitable for people who are already pregnant or suspect that they might be pregnant. The morning after pill delays ovulation to prevent fertilisation: it does not cause an abortion. If you wish to terminate your pregnancy, EllaOne® is not capable of doing so. If you are unsure whether EllaOne® is right for you, talk to your pharmacist to discuss your options.
If you suspect that you might be pregnant, you should take a pregnancy test and, if it is positive, make an appointment to see your GP or local family planning clinic to discuss your options. -
You are allergic to Ulipristal acetate, or to any other EllaOne® ingredient.
You should not take EllaOne® if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed in the leaflet that accompanies the medicine. If you are unsure whether EllaOne® is right for you, talk to your pharmacist to discuss your options.
You should talk to a pharmacist or a doctor if you are in any of the situations below:
EllaOne® contains lactose. Tell your pharmacist, doctor or healthcare provider if you have intolerance to some sugars.
Tell your pharmacist, doctor, or healthcare provider:
– if your period is late or you have symptoms of pregnancy (heavy breasts, morning sickness), as you may already be pregnant
– if you suffer from severe asthma.
– if you suffer from severe liver disease.
Tell your pharmacist or if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket, health food shop, naturopath, herbalist or
internet.
Some medicines may make EllaOne® less effective. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if EllaOne® is right for you if you have used any of the medicines listed below in the last few weeks:
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Phenytoin, fosphenytoine, phenobarbital, primidone, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine (used to treat epilepsy)
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Ritonavir,efavirenz, nevirapine (used to treat HIV infection)
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Rifampicin, rifabutin (used to treat certain bacterial infections)
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Herbal remedies containing St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum, used for depression or anxiety)
Useful information for after you have taken EllaOne®
EllaOne® is an emergency contraceptive and should only be used in an emergency: it should not be used as a regular contraceptive and will not protect you against future incidents of unprotected sex. After using EllaOne®, if you want to have sex, you should use a reliable barrier contraceptive method such as a condom. This is because EllaOne® will not work if you have unprotected sex again.
Be aware that taking EllaOne® may impact the effectiveness of regular hormonal contraceptives like the birth control pill, the injection or the implant. After using EllaOne® , if you wish to start hormonal contraception such as birth control pill in the same cycle, you should do so no sooner than 5 days after taking EllaOne® and you should use a reliable barrier contraceptive method, like condoms, alongside your regular contraception until your next period.
After taking EllaOne®, most women have a normal period at the expected time. Some may have their period later or earlier than normal. If your period is later than seven days or is unusually light or unusually heavy or if you experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting o breast pain we advise you take a pregnancy test.
Emergency contraception is not effective in every case and is not a guaranteed method of contraception. If you do become pregnant after taking EllaOne® you should contact your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist – they must decide if this product is right for you. Always read the instructions on the package leaflet carefully.
Health information within this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with healthcare professionals. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare professional considering the unique characteristics of the patient.
