Ulipristal Acetate 30mg Tablet (Generic ellaOne)

Ulipristal acetate 30 mg is the generic version of ellaOne — a morning after pill that can prevent pregnancy when taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It contains exactly the same active ingredient, at the same dose, as the branded pill, and like all generic medicines it is licensed to the same MHRA standards. It is a pharmacy (P) medicine, so no prescription is needed — just a short suitability check.

What is ulipristal acetate?

Ulipristal acetate is an emergency contraceptive taken as a single 30 mg tablet. It belongs to a group of medicines called selective progesterone receptor modulators and is the same medicine sold under the brand name ellaOne. It is intended for occasional, emergency use only and is not a replacement for regular contraception.

Is generic ulipristal acetate the same as ellaOne?

Yes — clinically they are interchangeable. Both contain ulipristal acetate 30 mg, work in the same way, and are held to the same UK licensing standards for quality, safety and effectiveness. The differences are the manufacturer, the packaging and, often, the price.

How does ulipristal acetate work?

Ulipristal acetate delays or prevents ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary. Sperm can survive in the body for up to five days, so postponing ovulation stops sperm and egg meeting. It does not end an existing pregnancy, and it is no longer effective once ovulation has already taken place — which is why it should be taken as soon as possible.

How to take ulipristal acetate

• Take one 30 mg tablet as soon as possible after unprotected sex — no later than 120 hours (5 days) afterwards.
• It can be taken with or without food, at any point in your menstrual cycle.
• If you vomit within 3 hours of taking it, you need another tablet — speak to your pharmacist.
• Use condoms until your next period, as one tablet does not protect you for the rest of your cycle.

Ulipristal acetate vs levonorgestrel

Levonorgestrel (e.g. Levonelle) is the older morning after pill and is licensed for use within 72 hours (3 days). Ulipristal acetate works for up to 120 hours (5 days) and, in clinical trials, was more effective than levonorgestrel at delaying ovulation when taken close to the time of ovulation. Whichever you choose, sooner is always better. Do not take both together.

Side effects of ulipristal acetate

The most common side effects are headache, nausea, tummy pain and period-type cramps, which are usually mild and short-lived. Your next period may come a few days early or late, and some women notice spotting. 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 ulipristal acetate?

• Anyone allergic to ulipristal acetate or the other tablet ingredients (contains lactose).
• Anyone who is already pregnant.
• Women with severe asthma treated with steroid tablets, or severe liver problems.
• Women taking enzyme-inducing medicines now or in the last 4 weeks — some epilepsy medicines, rifampicin, some HIV medicines, St John’s Wort — as these can stop it working. A copper IUD may be more suitable.
• Breastfeeding mothers should not breastfeed for one week after the tablet — express and discard the milk during that week.

Ulipristal acetate can also make hormonal contraception temporarily less effective — keep taking your pill, patch or ring, but add condoms until your next period.

Buy ulipristal acetate online

Bury Healthcare Online is a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy. Because ulipristal acetate is a pharmacy medicine, you’ll complete a short suitability questionnaire before checkout and a pharmacist reviews every order before dispatch in plain, discreet packaging. Emergency contraception is time-critical — if you need it today, a local pharmacy 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.

Ulipristal acetate FAQs