Legal classification of medication
POM
Ulipristal tablets can only be obtained in accordance with a prescription given by an appropriate practitioner and therefore the legal status of the medication is prescription only medication (POM).
Formulations
ellaOne® comes as tablets and each tablet contains 30mg of ulipristal acetate.
Class of drug
Ulipristal belongs to a class of drug which is a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM).
Indications
Ulipristal is used as an emergency contraception within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure.
How does it work?
Ulipristal binds with high affinity to progesterone receptors. Receptor binding leads to the primary action of ulipristal which is prevention or delay of ovulation, but changes to the lining of the womb may also contribute to the effectiveness of the drug.
How is it taken?
Ulipristal tablet should be taken as soon as possible, but no later than 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. The tablet can be taken with or after food. If vomiting occurs with in 3 hours of taking the medication, another tablet should be taken.
Ulipristal can be taken at any moment during the menstrual cycle. Ulipristal is not recommended to be used more than once per cycle per month as safety has not been established.
Treatment with ulipristal is on occasional basis, it should not replace a regular contraceptive method. The drug does not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s).
Pregnancy and Breast feeding
Ulipristal is contra-indicated during existing or suspected pregnancy. It is unknown if ulipristal is excreted in breast milk and for that reason it in nursing mothers are advised not to breastfeed for 36 hours after treatment.
Contra-indications
Side-effects
