ellaOne is an emergency contraceptive pill containing ulipristal acetate and is 98% effective when taken correctly (within 120 hours).

It works by delaying the release of the egg, preventing sperm from reaching and fertilising it. It is important that you take it as soon as possible after you have had unprotected sex so that it can be effective.

ellaOne does not prevent STIs

If you’ve had unprotected sex or you’re worried you might have an STI (sexually transmitted infection), you could take an STI test with one of our test kits, or speak with your doctor or nearest sexual health clinic.

Although ellaOne can be taken within 5 days of unprotected sex, you might need to wait a little longer to take an STI test, as most infections won’t show up on a test this quickly. You can find more information on how soon after unprotected sex to test for the most common STIs on our test kit page.

ellaOne contains the active ingredient ulipristal acetate which works to delay ovulation from the ovary (the release of the egg) by binding to the progesterone receptor (where progesterone attaches). This helps prevent the sperm from reaching the egg and fertilising it, so you cannot get pregnant. By the time 5 days have passed, any sperm remaining in your body will die.

How effective is ellaOne?

It is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. Clinical trials have found that when taken correctly (within 72 to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse) no pregnancies were observed.

You must take ellaOne as advised by your doctor.

Take one tablet with water as soon as possible after having unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, within 120 hours (no later than 5 days).

Please note if you vomit within 3 hours after taking ellaOne you should take another tablet as soon as possible, otherwise it will not take effect.

When to take ellaOne

You can take the treatment at any time during your menstrual cycle, at any time of day (before, during, or after a meal). That being said, it’s important to know that ellaOne works by delaying ovulation, so it won’t work if you’ve ovulated in the last 24 hours.

“It can be difficult to know when you’re ovulating but if you track your cycles and they last 28 days, ovulation usually happens around 14 days (2 weeks) before your period is due to start. If you’re unsure, it’s best to speak to your doctor. They may recommend still taking ellaOne and taking a pregnancy test after 3 weeks of the date you had sex to make sure it’s worked.” Dr Brenda Ikeji, Medical Editor

Can I take ellaOne twice in one cycle?

Speak with your doctor or a pharmacist if you are considering taking ellaOne twice in one cycle. It is possible to do so, but ellaOne is an ‘emergency’ contraceptive treatment, meaning it should not be used as a regular method of contraception.

If you find you need emergency contraception often, you should consider alternatives like the contraceptive pill. There are over 30 different brands available, so you can find the right one just for you. If you’re unsure how to find the right treatment, our doctors can help guide you via a quick online consultation – no face-to-face appointments necessary.

When should I take a pregnancy test after taking ellaOne?

After 3 weeks from the date you had unprotected sex, not the date you took ellaOne, unless you get your period. It is completely normal that ellaOne may delay your period for up to 7 days. However, if your period is more than one week late, you should take a pregnancy test.

Can I buy ellaOne online?

Yes, you can request ellaOne via online doctor services like Superdrug Online Doctor. Simply:

• fill in an online health questionnaire
• one of our doctors will review and approve if ellaOne is right for you
• you can then get your treatment delivery via express delivery or collect in a Superdrug Pharmacy

Once you buy ellaOne you have the option to have it delivered fast and discreetly to your door without any need for face-to-face consultations. Alternatively, you can opt to collect your treatment from your local Superdrug pharmacy.

Can I buy ellaOne over-the-counter?

Yes, you can get ellaOne over the counter. Ask your pharmacist about getting ellaOne and they will ask some questions about your health before deciding if the morning after pill is right for you.

Can I get ellaOne on the NHS?

Yes, however this depends on where you are located. Speak with your GP to check whether it is possible to get ellaOne at your local practice or a local sexual health clinic.

Like with all medication, ellaOne can cause side effects – but not everybody will experience them.

It is important to remember that some potential side effects could be symptoms of pregnancy (such as stomach pain, vomiting, and nausea). If it has been more than 7 days since you have taken ellaOne and you are experiencing symptoms like these, take a pregnancy test or speak with your doctor.

Common side effects:

• nausea (feeling sick)
• stomach pain
• vomiting (being sick)
• painful periods, pelvic pain
• breast tenderness
• headache
• dizziness
• mood swings
• muscle pain
• back pain
• tiredness

Uncommon side effects:

• diarrhoea
• wind
• unusual or irregular vaginal bleeding
• heavy or prolonged periods
• hot flushes
• appetite changes
• vaginal irritation or discharge
• lesser or greater sex drive
• acne, skin lesions, or itching
• fever
• feeling generally unwell

Most side effects should pass with time, especially as you only need to take one tablet. If you experience any side effects that are particularly bothersome, are persistent, and begin to affect your daily life, speak with your doctor.

Rare side effects:

• allergic reactions such as rash, hives, or swelling of the face
• genital pain or itching
• pain during sex
• rupture of an ovarian cyst
• light period
• loss of concentration
• vertigo
• shaking
• fainting
• sensitivity to light
• dry throat
• thirst

If you experience any rare side effects, contact your doctor, dial 999 or go to A&E.

How long do ellaOne side effects last?

Side effects for ellaOne are usually temporary and last a few days or hours. However, some may affect your menstrual cycle temporarily.

Make sure to speak with your doctor if you don’t have a period after 7 days of the day you expected to start your period, and/or side effect symptoms such as breast tenderness, nausea and vomiting persist, as this could be a sign of pregnancy.

What to do if you get ellaOne side effects

If you experience side effects during your treatment with ellaOne, you could wait for them to improve or use over-the-counter medications like painkillers to treat them.

If you get side effects that are severe or don’t go away, speak to a doctor.

Before taking ellaOne, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• you have severe asthma
• you have severe liver disease
• your period is late or you have symptoms of pregnancy (tender breasts, morning sickness) as you might already be pregnant

You can find out more about specific precautions around taking ellaOne in the patient information leaflet available with the medication.

ellaOne shouldn’t be taken alongside an emergency contraceptive pill that contains levonorgestrel. This won’t increase the chance of preventing pregnancy and instead makes both pills less effective, so you’re more likely to get pregnant.

ellaOne and breastfeeding

You should not breastfeed for a week (7 days) after taking ellaOne. You might want to express in advance before taking ellaOne or you may need to switch to formula during this time. You can speak to your doctor or midwife for more advice on this.

ellaOne and alcohol

There is no known interaction between ellaOne and alcohol. However, if you drink too much alcohol and are sick within 3 hours after taking ellaOne, you will need to take another tablet or it may not work.

If you’re uncertain ellaOne is the right ‘morning after’ pill for you, there are other treatments to choose from, such as:

• Levonelle – 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex
• Levonorgestrel – also 98% effective at preventing pregnancy, only when taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex
• The copper coil – this device can be inserted after unprotected sex and prevents unwanted pregnancy, and it can also be left in and used as regular contraception afterwards if you prefer

Both Levonelle and Levonorgestrel work in the same way as ellaOne to prevent pregnancy (by delaying ovulation and preventing release of the egg).

Can I take ellaOne if I'm taking the contraceptive pill?

Yes, you can take ellaOne if you’re taking the contraceptive pill, but it may make it temporarily less effective. If you take the contraceptive pill, continue taking it as normal but use condoms or another barrier contraception method every time you have sex until your next period.

ellaOne also makes other hormonal contraceptives like patches temporarily less effective, so follow the same instructions if you use patches.

Will ellaOne affect my period?

Yes, it is normal for your period to be delayed up to 7 days after taking ellaOne. However, if you experience side effects and symptoms often related to periods (such as stomach pain, nausea, breast tenderness) – these could be signs of pregnancy. If you experience period associated symptoms after taking ellaOne, speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Some women experience intermenstrual bleeding (bleeding in-between periods) after taking emergency contraception like ellaOne. This usually isn’t a cause for concern. However if you experience bleeding for longer than 7 days you should speak with your doctor.

Can ellaOne cause hormonal imbalance?

Morning after pills like ellaOne may sometimes cause hormonal imbalance. This can lead to side effects like changes to menstrual bleeding, emotional changes or other physical side effects like:

• nausea
• abdominal pain
• fatigue
• dizziness
• headache
• breast tenderness

Despite these symptoms, ellaOne has not been shown to affect your future fertility. Speak with your doctor if you get these symptoms and they don’t go away.

Does ellaOne work if you've already ovulated?

ellaOne works by delaying your ovulation, if you have already ovulated it will not be effective. If you think you have had unprotected sex and are concerned about this, speak with your doctor.

Does ellaOne protect against STIs?

No, ellaOne does not protect against STIs. If you’ve had unprotected sex or you’re worried you might have an STI (sexually transmitted infection), take an STI test with one of our test kits, or speak with your doctor.

Will ellaOne affect my future fertility?

No, ellaOne will not affect future fertility. Observational clinical trials have also not found any increased risks of birth defects in future fertility of patients who have taken ulipristal acetate.

How do I know ellaOne has worked?

You know ellaOne has worked when your next period arrives. If your period is 7 days late, you should take a pregnancy test. Look out for symptoms which may indicate you might be pregnant, such as nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and frequent urination.

Do you bleed after taking ellaOne?

Bleeding can happen after taking ellaOne and is common. You may experience a longer or heavier period, irregular bleeding or spotting. If you experience these effects and are concerned, speak with your doctor.