Ulipristal emergency contraception guide
How to take ulipristal up to 120 hours after unprotected sex, with timing, effectiveness, and menstrual cycle advice.
Ulipristal emergency contraception guide
How to take ulipristal up to 120 hours after unprotected sex, with timing, effectiveness, and menstrual cycle advice.
- READ TIME
- 2 min read
- PATHWAY
- Ulipristal acetate
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Sent to the pharmacy you choose; each pharmacy decides whether it can dispense it.
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How to use
- Take one tablet up to 120 hours after unprotected sex
Swallow the 30 mg tablet whole with water as soon as possible and no later than 120 hours after unprotected sex. It does not end an existing pregnancy.
- If vomiting occurs within 3 hours
Contact a healthcare professional: another dose may be needed. Nausea is possible but usually mild.
- Restart or continue hormonal contraception
Wait at least 5 days after taking ulipristal before starting or resuming hormonal contraception. After restarting, abstain from sex or use condoms for 7 days, or until your next period if it comes sooner.
Medicines and interactions to review. Enzyme-inducing medicines used in the last 4 weeks can change the safest option Current hormonal contraception, breastfeeding, and any emergency contraception already used this cycle must be reviewed If breastfeeding, interrupt nursing for 1 week after the dose
Treatment pathway
See the full decision pathway
Timing pathway
Up to 72 hours
Levonorgestrel or ulipristal may be considered after clinical checks. Earlier treatment is preferable, and a copper IUD is the most effective option.
73 to 120 hours
Ulipristal is the oral option in the protocol if suitable. Offer a copper IUD and review medicines, ovulation timing, weight, and contraception.
More than 120 hours or after ovulation
Do not use automatic oral treatment. Seek prompt clinical assessment for a copper IUD and pregnancy advice.
Dose schedule
- Single dose per episode
Only one dose is needed. Do not combine it with levonorgestrel emergency contraception unless a clinician specifically tells you to.
- Next period
May arrive on time or be earlier/later. If more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test.
Side effects
Common temporary effects
Headache, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, dizziness, and mood changes can occur and are usually temporary.
Cycle changes
Next period may be lighter or heavier. Ovulation may be delayed. Heavy bleeding should be discussed.
Do not use if
- You are allergic to the medicine or an ingredient in the tablet
- More than 120 hours have passed, or an established pregnancy needs assessment
- Severe liver disease, malabsorption, or interacting medicines make oral treatment unsuitable until reviewed
If any item may apply, do not use the medicine until a clinician has reviewed it.
When to contact your doctor
- Vomiting within 3 hours of taking the tablet: another dose may be needed
- Next period more than 7 days late, or pregnancy-like symptoms
- Severe abdominal pain, especially on one side: rare ectopic pregnancy possible
Storage
Keep in the original package, away from moisture and direct heat, and out of children's reach. Follow the temperature limit on your pack and do not use it after the expiry date.
What to expect
Ulipristal reduces pregnancy risk up to 120 hours after unprotected sex. More effective than levonorgestrel in the later window. If your next period is more than 7 days late, test for pregnancy.
Sources
Questions while you're on treatment?
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