Ulipristal acetate

Ulipristal acetate (brand names Ella and EllaOne) is a birth control drug sometimes called a morning-after pill. It is not the only morning after pill. Like the other such pills, it can be taken shortly after sexual intercourse to block pregnancy. It has a chance of about 85 percent of preventing pregnancy.[1]

Ulipristal acetate (Ella) works by blocking ovulation until the sperm die.[1] Sperm can live in the vagina for up to 5 days while it waits for ovulation to occur. It is a prescription only drug.[1] It has the benefit of working for up to 5 days after sex,[1][2] and in overweight people who might become pregnant through other birth control drugs. It should be taken as soon as possible. It does not work as well in people that weigh over 195lbs (88.4kg) or more.[1] It does not work if ovulation has already occurred.[1]

Another option for people who are overweight or can not take Ulipristal acetate (or other birth control) is the copper coil IUD. The IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception.[3] Emergency contraception pills like Ulipristal acetate can be taken even if the combined oral contraceptive pill (or other hormonal birth control) can not.[4]

It can interfere with other drugs, including birth control drugs[1] but also other drugs.[4] It can interfere with HIV medication,[1][4] medications used to treat epilepsy or tuberculosis.[4] If it is taken, and birth control is needed again, then it should be taken again instead of taking different tablets.[1] If a new form of birth control is started, wait for up to 6 days after having unprotected sex to use the new form of birth control.[1]

As a drug, ulipristal acetate is also used to treat certain forms of cancer of the uterus. This kind of treatment may need a prescription.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "What is Ella (Birth Control)?". plannedparenthood.
  2. ↑ "Emergency contraception". nhs.uk. 2024-02-29. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  3. ↑ "How to take the emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill)". nhs.uk. 2024-02-29. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Who can take the emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill)". nhs.uk. 2024-02-29. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
  5. ↑ World Health Organization (2023). The selection and use of essential medicines 2023: web annex A: World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 23rd list (2023). Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/371090. WHO/MHP/HPS/EML/2023.02.
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