ellaOne Emergency Contraception (Ulipristal Acetate 30mg)

ellaOne (ulipristal acetate 30 mg) — the morning after pill that works up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.

  • Single-tablet emergency contraceptive — take as soon as possible
  • Effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure
  • Works by delaying ovulation — more effective than levonorgestrel in trials
  • Pharmacy medicine — short suitability check, no prescription needed
  • Plain, discreet packaging from a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy

£36.00

ellaOne emergency contraception

ellaOne is a morning after pill containing ulipristal acetate 30 mg. It is an emergency contraceptive that can prevent pregnancy when taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure — and the sooner you take it, the better it works. ellaOne is a pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK, so you can buy it without a prescription after answering a few short suitability questions.

What is ellaOne?

ellaOne is an emergency contraceptive pill, often called the morning after pill. Each pack contains one tablet of ulipristal acetate 30 mg, taken as a single dose. It is designed for occasional, emergency use — it is not a regular method of contraception and should not replace one.

How does ellaOne work?

The active ingredient, ulipristal acetate, is a selective progesterone receptor modulator. It works by delaying or preventing ovulation — the release of an egg from the ovary. Because sperm can survive for up to five days, postponing ovulation stops sperm and egg from meeting. ellaOne does not end an existing pregnancy and will not work if you are already pregnant.

How effective is ellaOne?

In clinical trials, fewer than 2 in 100 women who took ellaOne after unprotected sex became pregnant. When taken within 72 hours, women taking ulipristal acetate were significantly less likely to become pregnant than those taking levonorgestrel (the older morning after pill, e.g. Levonelle). ellaOne remains effective right up to 120 hours, but no emergency contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy in every case — take it as soon as you can.

How to take ellaOne

  • Take one tablet, by mouth, as soon as possible after unprotected sex — no later than 120 hours (5 days) afterwards.
  • It can be taken at any time in your menstrual cycle, with or without food.
  • If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the tablet, you need to take another one — speak to your pharmacist.
  • Use condoms (or another barrier method) for the rest of your cycle, until your next period.

ellaOne side effects

The most common side effects of ellaOne are headache, nausea, tummy (abdominal) pain and period-type cramps. Some women also notice dizziness, tiredness, breast tenderness or mood changes. These are usually mild and settle within a day or two.

ellaOne can also affect your next period — it may arrive a few days earlier or later than expected, and some women have spotting beforehand. If your period is more than 7 days late, is unusually light or heavy, or you have severe one-sided tummy pain, take a pregnancy test and contact your doctor.

Who should not take ellaOne?

  • Anyone allergic to ulipristal acetate or any of the tablet ingredients (it contains lactose).
  • Anyone who is already pregnant — ellaOne does not interrupt an existing pregnancy.
  • Women with severe asthma treated with steroid tablets, or severe liver problems — ellaOne is not recommended.
  • Women who have taken enzyme-inducing medicines in the last 4 weeks — for example some epilepsy medicines (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital), rifampicin, some HIV medicines, or St John’s Wort — as these can stop ellaOne working. A copper IUD may be a better option.
  • Breastfeeding mothers should not breastfeed for one week after taking ellaOne — express and discard the milk during that week.

ellaOne can also make hormonal contraception (the pill, patch or ring) temporarily less effective — keep taking your regular contraception but use condoms as well until your next period. Do not take ellaOne together with levonorgestrel emergency contraception.

Buy ellaOne online

Bury Healthcare Online is a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy. Because ellaOne is a pharmacy medicine, you’ll answer a short suitability questionnaire before you check out, and one of our pharmacists reviews every order before it is dispatched in plain, discreet packaging. Emergency contraception is time-critical — if you need it today, visiting a local pharmacy in person may be quicker than ordering online.

Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. If your period is late or you think you may be pregnant, take a pregnancy test. If symptoms persist, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

ellaOne FAQs

Can ellaOne delay your period?
Yes. After taking ellaOne your period may come a few days earlier or later than expected — in clinical trials around 1 in 5 women had a delay of more than 7 days. If your period is more than 7 days late, or unusually light or heavy, take a pregnancy test and speak to your pharmacist or GP.
How long does ellaOne stay in your system?
ellaOne has a half-life of around 32 hours, so it is largely cleared from your body within about a week. Its protective effect only covers the episode of unprotected sex you took it for — it does not protect you for the rest of your cycle.
How long do ellaOne side effects last?
Common side effects such as headache, nausea and tummy pain are usually mild and settle within a day or two. Changes to your period can carry on into your next cycle. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the tablet, you may need another dose — speak to your pharmacist.
How often can you take ellaOne?
ellaOne is for occasional emergency use only and is not a regular method of contraception. It can be used more than once in the same menstrual cycle if needed, but if you often need emergency contraception, speak to your pharmacist or GP about a reliable regular method.
Does ellaOne make you bleed?
Some women (fewer than 1 in 10) notice spotting or light bleeding between periods after taking ellaOne, and the next period can be heavier or lighter than usual. Bleeding does not confirm the pill has worked — if your period is more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test.
Does ellaOne work after ovulation?
No. ellaOne works by delaying ovulation, so it is no longer effective once ovulation has already happened. Because you cannot know exactly when you ovulate, take it as soon as possible. A copper IUD fitted by a clinician is the most effective emergency contraception after ovulation.
Is there a weight limit for ellaOne?
There is no weight limit for ellaOne. Limited data suggest emergency contraceptive pills may be slightly less effective at higher body weights, but ellaOne should still be taken as soon as possible whatever your weight. A copper IUD is an alternative if you are concerned.
Can I take ellaOne while breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is not recommended for one week after taking ellaOne, because ulipristal acetate passes into breast milk. Express and discard your milk during that week to keep up your supply, then resume as normal.
How much is ellaOne?
ellaOne costs £36 at Bury Healthcare Online, delivered in plain, discreet packaging. Prices at UK pharmacies typically range from around £25 to £40.

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