Ella

The active ingredient in Ella is ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM). Its mechanism of action is to prevent follicular rupture in the ovary to stop the release of an egg during ovulation, which prevents pregnancy.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Ella. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Ella.

Ella is to be used within 120 hours (5 days) of intercourse to prevent pregnancy if:

-You had unprotected sexual intercourse.

-Your barrier method of contraception failed (i.e., a condom broke).

-You did not take your hormonal birth control in a way that makes it effective (i.e., you have missed pills).

In these events of contraceptive failure or unprotected sex, take one Ella tablet by mouth as soon as possible, with or without food. The efficacy of Ella decreases the longer you wait. Ella is no longer effective if taken after 5 days of these events.

If you throw up within 3 hours of taking Ella, you should take another tablet.

After taking Ella, use a barrier method of contraception every time you have sexual intercourse during the rest of your menstrual cycle (until you get your next period).

If you take a hormonal contraceptive pill, wait at least 5 days after taking Ella before restarting the pill, and continue to wear a barrier contraceptive method for the rest of your menstrual cycle.

If you take Ella, you should speak with your doctor about options for a reliable and regular method of birth control.

Ella does not protect against getting HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Some mild and common side effects of Ella seen in clinical trials include:

-Nausea, vomiting

-Abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain)

-Dizziness, fatigue, headaches

-Mood changes

-Acne

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Ella. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

-Hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the mouth, lips, or throat. These may be signs of an allergic reaction.

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Ella. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ella is not effective in 100% of cases. The pregnancy rate in people who take Ella is 2 out of 100. It is important that you monitor your next menstrual period. If your next menses are more than 7 days late, you should take a pregnancy test and consult a doctor.

Before starting Ella, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

-Heavy breasts, morning sickness, or other signs of pregnancy.

-Liver problems.

Ella should not be used by people who are allergic to ulipristal acetate or any other inactive ingredient in the formulation, including lactose.

Ella should not be used twice in the same menstrual cycle.

Ella is not intended to replace regular birth control methods. It is indicated for emergency contraception.

Ella is not indicated to end an existing pregnancy. It should not be used in pregnancy or if you may be pregnant.

Ella is most effective if taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It will no longer be effective if taken after 5 days.

When Ella is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

-Other birth control methods. Ella may make other birth control methods less effective. Restart your regular birth control pill 5 days after taking Ella and wear a barrier method for the rest of your menstrual cycle.

-Other emergency birth control pills that contain levonorgestrel. These may reduce the efficacy of Ella.

-Inducers or inhibitors of the CYP3A4 enzyme, including phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin, griseofulvin, ketoconazole, ritonavir, esomeprazole, St-John’s wort, etc. These can affect the plasma concentration of ulipristal acetate, and either make Ella less effective or increase the risk of side effects.

-Other medications affecting the P-glycoprotein, such as digoxin or dabigatran.

Ella is available as 30 mg tablets of ulipristal acetate.

Store Ella at room temperature in the original packaging

Ella is manufactured by AbbVie.

No, Ella is only available as a brand-name medication at this time.

Ella is not intended for regular use. You should not use Ella twice in one menstrual cycle.

Ella should not be taken during pregnancy or if pregnancy is suspected. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Taking Ella may increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you suspect pregnancy or have symptoms of pregnancy despite regular menstrual bleeding after taking Ella.

Ulipistal acetate is secreted in breast milk. Do not breastfeed for 1 week after the administration of ulipristal acetate. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.