About ellaOne

• What is ellaOne and how does it work?

  This morning after pill contains an active ingredient called ulipristal acetate which works by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg. If an egg isn’t released, it won’t meet with any sperm, and you shouldn’t get pregnant.  

• When to take ellaOne

  ellaOne is more effective, the sooner you take it, but it can be taken within five days (120 hours) of unprotected sex.

  If you are using our service to request the morning after pill, our doctors will advise which pill is right for you. 

• How effective is ellaOne

  It’s thought that ellaOne is about 99.5% effective, but it will be most effective the sooner you take it.  

• Are there any side effects to taking ellaOne?

  Like with all medicines, some women might find they experience side effects with ellaOne. These can include feeling or being sick, having a headache and changes to your next period. Your period could come early or late and be quite heavy. 

  If you vomit within three hours of taking ellaOne, you might need to take another tablet. We would recommend heading back to the pharmacy and discussing it with them or calling your GP.  

• Can ellaOne fail?

  There isn’t a form of emergency contraception that’s 100% effective, so there is a chance you could get pregnant.

  If your next period is more than seven days late, you should do a pregnancy test.  

• Can I take contraception after taking ellaOne?

  If you’re taking emergency contraception because you forgot your regular pill or didn’t use the patch or vaginal ring correctly, you should wait for five days after taking ellaOne before you take your pill again, insert a new ring or apply a new patch. You should also use additional contraception, such as condoms, during these five days.

  After you restart your combined pill, patch or ring, you should use condoms for seven days after taking ellaOne (this is nine days for Qlaira). If you usually use the mini pill (progestogen-only pill) you should use condoms for two days after taking ellaOne.  

• Alternatives to ellaOne

  If you’re not suitable for ellaOne our doctors may advise you take Levonorgestrel.

  The only other alternative is the copper intrauterine device, which is the most effective form of emergency contraception and must be fitted by a clinician. This could be done at your GP surgery or local sexual health clinic.