ellaOne

Key Features:

– Emergency Contraception: used to prevent unplanned pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure.

– Timeframe for Use: Effective for up to 120 hours post-intercourse, offering a longer window compared to many other emergency contraceptives.

EllaOne is not intended for regular contraceptive use and should be utilised only in emergency situations.

 

What is EllaOne?

EllaOne is an oral contraceptive pill containing ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator. It functions by preventing or delaying ovulation, thereby reducing the likelihood of pregnancy.

 

Summary of EllaOne:

– Indicated For: Emergency contraception in women.

– Drug Class: Selective progesterone receptor modulator.

– Active Ingredient: Ulipristal acetate.

– Strengths Available: Single-dose 30 mg tablet.

– Administration: Oral, single dose.

– Potential Side Effects: Nausea, abdominal discomfort, headache, menstrual irregularities, tiredness, dizziness.

 

How EllaOne Works:

EllaOne operates by inhibiting or postponing the release of an egg (ovulation). It may also alter the uterine lining, reducing the likelihood of a fertilised egg implanting.

 

Patient Information Leaflet:

For comprehensive information on usage, side effects, contraindications, and precautions, consult the patient information leaflet accompanying EllaOne.

 

How To Use EllaOne?

Always take this medicine exactly as instructed by your pharmacist or doctor. Swallow one tablet orally as soon as you can, but no later than 5 days (120 hours) following unprotected intercourse or a failure in your contraceptive method. Do not delay in taking the tablet.

You can take EllaOne at any point in your menstrual cycle and at any time of the day, whether before, during, or after a meal. If you are taking any medication that might reduce the effectiveness of EllaOne, or if you have taken such a medicine in the past four weeks, EllaOne may be less effective for you. In such cases, consult your doctor before using EllaOne.

EllaOne should be taken as quickly as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It can be taken with or without food. If you vomit within three hours of taking the tablet, you should take another dose immediately.

 

Safety and Precautions:

Consult a healthcare professional before taking EllaOne if:

– Your period is late or you have pregnancy symptoms, as you might already be pregnant.

– You have severe asthma or liver disease.

Take EllaOne as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Its effectiveness may vary with body weight or BMI, but it’s still recommended for all women. If you become pregnant after taking EllaOne, see your doctor.

– EllaOne can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Continue your regular contraception but use condoms until your next period.

– Avoid using EllaOne with other emergency contraceptives containing levonorgestrel.

– Some medications, including certain epilepsy, tuberculosis, HIV treatments, antifungals, and St John’s Wort, can reduce EllaOne’s effectiveness. Consult a healthcare professional if you’re taking these.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

– EllaOne is not for use during pregnancy and won’t terminate an existing pregnancy. If pregnant after taking EllaOne, consult your doctor.

– Avoid breastfeeding for a week after taking EllaOne. Use a breast pump to maintain milk production, but discard the milk.

 

Fertility and Other Considerations:

– EllaOne doesn’t affect long-term fertility. Use condoms after taking it until your next period.

– If you experience dizziness or drowsiness after taking EllaOne, avoid driving or using machines.

– EllaOne contains lactose; consult your doctor if you have sugar intolerances.

For comprehensive information on usage, side effects, contraindications, and precautions, consult the patient information leaflet accompanying EllaOne.

 

Common Side Effects:

 

Like all medicines, EllaOne can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Some symptoms, such as breast tenderness, abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea, can also be signs of pregnancy. If you miss your period and have these symptoms after taking EllaOne, a pregnancy test is advised (refer to section 2 “Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility” in the patient information lesflet).

Common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 people, include nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, vomiting, painful periods, pelvic pain, breast tenderness, headache, dizziness, mood swings, muscle pain, back pain, and tiredness. Uncommon side effects, which may affect up to 1 in 100 people, are diarrhoea, heartburn, wind, dry mouth, unusual or irregular vaginal bleeding, heavy or prolonged periods, premenstrual syndrome, vaginal irritation or discharge, changes in sex drive, hot flushes, appetite changes, emotional disorders, anxiety, agitation, trouble sleeping, sleepiness, migraine, visual disturbances, influenza, acne, skin lesions, itching, fever, chills, and malaise.

Rare side effects, occurring in up to 1 in 1,000 people, include genital pain or itching, pain during sex, rupture of an ovarian cyst, unusually light period, loss of concentration, vertigo, shaking, disorientation, fainting, unusual eye sensations, red eye, sensitivity to light, dry throat, taste disturbances, allergic reactions such as rash, hives, or facial swelling, and feeling thirsty.

If you experience any side effects, report them to your pharmacist, doctor, or healthcare professional. This includes side effects not listed in the leaflet. Side effects can also be reported directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or through the MHRA Yellow Card app available in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Reporting side effects helps provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

For comprehensive information on usage, side effects, contraindications, and precautions, consult the patient information leaflet accompanying EllaOne.

 

When Not To Use EllaOne?

EllaOne should be avoided in the following scenarios:

1. During Pregnancy: Not to be used if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
2. Allergy to Active Ingredients: Avoid if allergic to ulipristal acetate or any other components.
3. Repeated Use in a Cycle: Not recommended for repeated use within the same menstrual cycle.
4. Certain Health Conditions: Use with caution in cases of severe liver disease or severe asthma.

For detailed information, refer to the patient information leaflet accompanying EllaOne.

This profile is intended for general informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalised guidance and read the patient information leaflet for complete details.