EllaOne Ulipristal Acetate 30mg Emergency Contraceptive Tablet - 1 Tablet

EllaOne (ulipristal acetate 30mg) is a pharmacy (P) medicine licensed for emergency contraception within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, in women of reproductive age including adolescents from 16 years. At Ways Pharmacy it is supplied only after a pharmacist-led online consultation has confirmed clinical suitability.

Time sensitivity — read first

EllaOne is more effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex. If you need emergency contraception within the next few hours and cannot wait for a postal delivery, visit a local pharmacy or sexual health clinic in person. This online supply route is suited to people who have time to complete a consultation and receive a delivery within the 120-hour window, or who want to keep a pack ready for future use.

How to access this medicine

1. Add the product to your basket and complete payment.
2. You will be sent a clinical consultation questionnaire by email — please answer fully, including the time of unprotected sex (or the contraceptive that failed), the date of your last menstrual period, any current hormonal contraception, breastfeeding status, and other medicines including herbal remedies.
3. Our GPhC-registered pharmacist reviews your responses by phone or message; please keep your phone reachable.
4. If supply is clinically appropriate, the medicine is dispensed and dispatched.
5. If supply is not appropriate, you will receive a full refund and a brief written explanation.

About this medicine

Dosage (from the Summary of Product Characteristics)

• One 30mg tablet, swallowed whole with water, as soon as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
• Must be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of the event. Effectiveness is higher the sooner it is taken.
• Can be taken at any point in the menstrual cycle.
• If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking the tablet, a replacement dose is needed — contact a pharmacist for advice.
• After taking EllaOne, the next period may be earlier or later than expected by several days. If your period is more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test.

Who should not take this medicine

• Men — EllaOne is not for use in men
• Anyone already known to be pregnant
• People with a known hypersensitivity to ulipristal acetate or any of the excipients listed in the PIL
• People with severe asthma not controlled by oral corticosteroids — the pharmacist will assess this individually
• People who have taken another emergency contraceptive containing ulipristal or levonorgestrel in the same menstrual cycle should consult the pharmacist before re-treatment

Enzyme-inducing medicines (e.g. for epilepsy, tuberculosis, HIV) and herbal products containing St John's Wort can reduce the effectiveness of EllaOne. Tell the pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you have used in the past 4 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

How long after sex can I take EllaOne?

EllaOne can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It is more effective the sooner it is taken, so do not delay if you decide it is the right option for you.

Does EllaOne work after ovulation?

EllaOne works mainly by delaying ovulation. It is not effective once ovulation has already occurred, and it does not terminate an existing pregnancy. If unprotected sex has occurred at multiple points in the cycle, the pharmacist will discuss whether emergency contraception is still appropriate or whether a copper IUD is a better option.

Can I use my regular contraceptive pill straight after taking EllaOne?

Hormonal contraception (such as the combined pill, progestogen-only pill, patch or ring) can be started or restarted, but it should not be started until 5 days after taking EllaOne, and additional barrier contraception (e.g. condoms) is needed for a further period — typically 7 to 14 days depending on the method. Follow the specific advice in the PIL or ask the pharmacist.

What if I'm sick after taking EllaOne?

If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of swallowing the tablet, the dose may not have been absorbed and a replacement tablet is needed. Contact a pharmacist for advice rather than waiting until the next period.

Can I take EllaOne while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding should be avoided for one week after taking EllaOne. Express and discard breast milk during that week to maintain milk supply. The pharmacist will confirm this advice during the consultation.

What are the common side effects?

Common side effects include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, painful periods, irregular bleeding before the next period, dizziness and tiredness. Most are mild and short-lived. Full side-effect information is in the Patient Information Leaflet, which should be read before use.

Regulatory information

• Legal status: P (Pharmacy medicine)
• Marketing authorisation holder: HRA Pharma (a Perrigo company)
• Supplied by: Ways Pharmacy, UK — GPhC-registered (registration number on the storefront footer)
• Patient Information Leaflet: EllaOne PIL via emc
• Suspected side effect? Report via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme
• NHS information: NHS — Emergency contraception

This page provides factual information about a pharmacy (P) medicine and is not an advertisement to the public. Supply is dependent on satisfactory completion of a clinical consultation reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet before use.