Skip navigation

Ulipristal

pronounced as(ue' li pris tal)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Ulipristal is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse (sex without any method of birth control or with a birth control method that failed or was not used properly [e.g., a condom that slipped or broke or birth control pills that were not taken as scheduled]). Ulipristal should not be used to prevent pregnancy on a regular basis. This medication is to be used as an emergency contraceptive or backup in case regular birth control fails or is used incorrectly. Ulipristal is in a class of medications called progestins. It works by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary. It also may work by changing the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent development of a pregnancy. Ulipristal may prevent pregnancy, but it will not prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

How should this medicine be used?

Ulipristal comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse. Ulipristal may be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sexual intercourse, but the sooner it is taken, the more likely that it will prevent pregnancy. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ulipristal exactly as directed.

Ulipristal may be used at any time during the menstrual cycle. However, it should not be used more than once during the same menstrual cycle.

If you vomit less than 3 hours after you take ulipristal, call your doctor. You may need to take another dose of this medication.

Because you can become pregnant soon after treatment with ulipristal, you should continue using your regular method of birth control or begin using regular birth control immediately. If you use hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, implants, patches, rings, or injections), you should also use a barrier method (condom or diaphragm with spermicide) every time you have sex during the same menstrual cycle as you took ulipristal.

Other uses for this medicine

Return to top

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Return to top

Before taking ulipristal,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ulipristal, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ulipristal tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: certain antifungal medications such as griseofulvin (Fulvicin-U/F, Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral); barbiturates such as phenobarbital or secobarbital (Seconal); bosentan (Tracleer); certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Equetro, Tegretol), felbamate (Felbatol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), and topiramate (Topamax); and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane). Ulipristal may not work as well or may be more likely to cause side effects if it is taken with these medications.
  • tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical conditions and if you are overweight.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Do not take ulipristal if you are already pregnant.
  • tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
  • you should know that after you take ulipristal, it is normal for your next menstrual period to begin up to one week earlier or later than expected. If your next menstrual period is delayed for longer than one week after the expected date, call your doctor. You may be pregnant and your doctor will probably tell you to have a pregnancy test.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Return to top

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Return to top

Ulipristal may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • painful menstrual periods

  • spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods

  • nausea

  • tiredness

  • headache

  • dizziness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience the following symptom, call your doctor immediately:

  • severe lower abdominal pain (3 to 5 weeks after taking ulipristal)

Ulipristal may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about ulipristal.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names

Return to top
  • Ella®

Last Revised - 11/01/2010

ASHP Logo American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.