ulipristal

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Pronunciation: UE li PRIS tal

Brand: ella

What is the most important information I should know about ulipristal?

Ulipristal is not to be used as a regular form of daily, weekly, or monthly birth control.

THIS MEDICINE SHOULD NOT BE USED TO TERMINATE AN EXISTING PREGNANCY.

Ulipristal can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant.

What is ulipristal?

Ulipristal is an emergency contraceptive. It works by stopping or delaying the release of an egg from an ovary. Ulipristal may also make it harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Ulipristal is used to prevent pregnancy after having sex without using a condom or other effective birth control method. Ulipristal is also used to prevent pregnancy after a regular form of birth control has failed. Ulipristal is not to be used as a regular form of daily, weekly, or monthly birth control.

ULIPRISTAL SHOULD NOT BE USED TO TERMINATE AN EXISTING PREGNANCY.

Ulipristal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ulipristal?

You should not use this medicine if you have already confirmed that you are pregnant, or if you are allergic to ulipristal.

Do not use ulipristal if you have not yet started having menstrual periods, or if you are past menopause.

To make sure ulipristal is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • a history of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy; or
  • if your last menstrual period was more than 4 weeks ago.

This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use emergency contraception if you are already pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

Ulipristal can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take ulipristal?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Ulipristal is usually given as soon as possible after unprotected sex or failed birth control method (such as a condom that broke during sex). Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Ulipristal can be taken any time during your menstrual cycle, but you must use the medicine within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.

If you vomit within 3 hours after taking ulipristal, your medication may not be as effective. Call your doctor to discuss the need for taking another ulipristal tablet.

You may take ulipristal with or without food.

After taking ulipristal, you should use a barrier form of birth control (condom or diaphragm with spermicide) at least until your next menstrual period. Ulipristal can make hormonal contraception less effective. This includes birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings.

Call your doctor if your next menstrual period is more than 1 week late. You will need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Do not take a second course of ulipristal.

Store ulipristal in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since ulipristal is used only once when needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking ulipristal?

Ulipristal will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.

What are the possible side effects of ulipristal?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once or seek emergency medical attention if you have severe pain in your lower stomach (especially on only one side) 3 to 5 weeks after using ulipristal.

Common side effects may include:

  • headache;
  • dizziness, tired feeling;
  • nausea, stomach pain; or
  • menstrual pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ulipristal?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with ulipristal, especially:

  • bosentan;
  • griseofulvin;
  • St. John's Wort;
  • rifampin;
  • topiramate;
  • a barbiturate --butabarbital, secobarbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital; or
  • seizure medicine --carbamazepine, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ulipristal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ulipristal.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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