Ella pill (day-after pill) emergency contraception available online

Ella vs. Plan B

While both are effective emergency contraceptives, Ella is significantly more effective. Ella is 65% more effective at preventing pregnancy than Plan B, when it's taken within 24 hours. If taken within 72 hours, Ella is still 42% more effective than Plan B. Ella works during a longer window (five days vs. three days) and is less affected by BMI.  

Like all medications, the ulipristal pill may have side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects, and most people do not have any side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns. Common side effects may include: 

• Nausea and vomiting

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Menstrual pain

• Abdominal discomfort

If you develop severe abdominal or pelvic pain three to five weeks after taking Ella, seek in-person medical care immediately to be evaluated for ectopic pregnancy.

Ella’s potential impacts on your menstrual cycle

The Ella emergency contraception pill may temporarily cause some changes to your menstrual cycle, including: 

• Menstrual delay: Ella may cause a delay in the onset of menstruation. It's common for the next period to be a few days late after taking Ella.

• Changes in menstrual flow: Some women may experience changes in their menstrual flow, such as heavier or lighter bleeding than usual.

• Spotting or bleeding: Unscheduled spotting or bleeding may occur between periods after taking Ella.

• Menstrual irregularities: In some cases, women might notice temporary changes in their menstrual cycle patterns, including irregularities in cycle length.

• Return to normal cycle: Typically, these changes are temporary, and menstrual cycles return to normal in the subsequent cycles.

If you do not get a menstrual cycle within seven days of when you were expecting it, you should take a pregnancy test.

Higher BMI or body weight may reduce the effectiveness of ulipristal

A higher BMI may make emergency contraceptives, including Ella, less effective. Emergency contraception pills containing levonorgestrel, such as Plan B, are less effective if your BMI is more than 30. Ella has been shown to remain highly effective for people with a BMI up to 35.

HRA, the manufacturers of Ella, released the following statement regarding BMI and the morning-after pill: “There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that ellaOne® becomes ineffective if the person taking it is above a specific weight.”

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ella is not considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. No form of emergency contraception should be used by people who know or suspect that they are currently pregnant.

Interaction with medications

Some medications may interact with Ella, affecting its efficacy. Specific medications that may interact with Ella include certain anticonvulsants, antifungals, and anti-HIV drugs. Acyclovir, an antiviral medication used to treat herpes infections, is not known to have significant interactions with ulipristal. Responses to medications can vary, so it’s advisable to inform your doctor about all current medications.

Hormonal birth control and Ella

Being on hormonal birth control, such as oral contraceptives, patches, or hormonal IUDs, does not significantly impact the efficacy of Ella. Emergency contraceptive pills work independently of ongoing hormonal contraception and can be used in case of contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse.

Herbs and supplements

Certain supplements like St. John's Wort may interact with ulipristal. St. John's Wort is known to induce liver enzymes, which could affect the metabolism of medications, including ulipristal acetate. If you take St. John's Wort or other supplements, talk to your doctor before using Ella.