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ellaOne
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Treatment Information
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Table of contents:
What is the ellaOne Morning After Pill?
ellaOne is an emergency contraceptive pill, more commonly known as a morning-after pill, which is taken as soon as possible and within 5 days (120 hours) of having unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Each pill contains 30 mg ulipristal acetate and should be taken if:
- You had sex without protection
- Your or your partner’s condom split, tore, or came off during sex
- You or your partner forgot to use a condom
- You forgot or missed your contraceptive pill
How Does ellaOne Work?
ellaOne works by delaying ovulation. The active ingredient, ulipristal acetate, binds to the progesterone receptors in the body to postpone the release of an egg from the ovaries for up to 5 days by delaying the luteinising hormone (LH) surge. The LH surge is what triggers ovulation.
This is important because sperm can survive in the womb for up to 5 days, so ellaOne delays ovulation long enough for any sperm cells to die off. ellaOne’s effectiveness is at its highest the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex.
ellaOne is not an abortion pill and will not terminate a pregnancy that has already happened. It also cannot stop a fertilised egg from implanting in the womb. If you are pregnant and want to discuss your options, make an appointment with your GP.
How Long Does ellaOne Take to Work?
ellaOne starts to work as soon as you take it. It remains effective for up to 5 days after unprotected sex, but the earlier you take it, the more effective it will be at preventing pregnancy.
How Long Does ellaOne Stay in Your System?
ellaOne pills contain ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator that remains in your system for several days before being fully eliminated. A single 30 mg dose is estimated to have a ‘half-life’ (the time it takes for the medication’s concentration to reduce by 50%) of around 32 hours, plus or minus 6 hours.
How Effective is ellaOne?
ellaOne is 98 to 99% effective, which means that 1 or 2 out of 100 users of the pill will get pregnant after unprotected sex. However, ellaOne’s effectiveness can also depend on where you are in your cycle when you take it. For example, clinical trial results show that it can delay ovulation for 5 days in 78.6% of cases where ellaOne is taken after the LH surge but before the LH peak.
The morning-after pill, including ellaOne, will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have had unprotected sex and think you may have been exposed to an STI, speak to a clinician about getting an STI test. Condoms are the most reliable contraceptive method to protect you and your partner against STIs.
Can ellaOne Fail to Prevent Pregnancy?
Yes, although ellaOne is a highly effective method of emergency contraception, it is not 100% effective. It works by delaying ovulation, so if ovulation has already occurred, it will not work. It will also be ineffective if you are sick within 3 hours of taking it or if you have unprotected sex again later in your cycle.
Research shows that taking ellaOne after the LH surge has occurred only prevents ovulation in 8.3% of cases.
How to Take ellaOne
ellaOne is a single-dose emergency contraceptive pill which can be taken at any point during your menstrual cycle and at any time of day or night. You should swallow one tablet whole as soon as possible and no later than 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. You can take it before, during, or after a meal.
ellaOne Late Period Information
After you have taken the ellaOne morning after pill, it is normal for your next period to be a few days late. That’s because ellaOne delays ovulation by up to 5 days, and your period usually happens 14 days later, which can mean your period comes a few days later as a result.
If your period is more than 7 days late, unusually light or heavy, or if you get any of the following symptoms, you may be pregnant:
- abdominal pain
- breast tenderness
- feeling or being sick
Take a pregnancy test straight away. If you get a positive result, see a clinician as soon as possible.
What if I Vomit After Taking ellaOne Pills?
If you are sick (vomit) within three hours of taking an ellaOne pill, take another pill as soon as possible. If you continue to be sick, contact your clinician for advice.
What If I Take More ellaOne Than Necessary?
If you take more ellaOne than you should, it is unlikely to cause serious harm. If you take more than the prescribed number of ellaOne tablets, speak to your clinician for advice.
ellaOne Side Effects
ellaOne can cause side effects, although not everyone will get them. It is important to familiarise yourself with the patient information leaflet that comes with the treatment, so you know what to look out for. Most side effects are temporary and will improve once the medication has cleared your system.
Common Side Effects | Uncommon Side Effects | Rare Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Feeling sick (nausea) Stomach pain Being sick (vomiting) Painful periods Pelvic pain Breast tenderness Headache Dizziness Mood swings Muscle pain Back pain Tiredness | Diarrhoea Heartburn Wind Dry mouth Unusual or irregular vaginal bleeding Heavy or prolonged periods Premenstrual syndrome Vaginal irritation or discharge Changes in libido Hot flushes Appetite changes Emotional disorders Anxiety Agitation Difficulty sleeping Sleepiness Migraine Vision changes Influenza Acne Skin lesions Itching Fever Chills Malaise | Genital pain or itching Pain during sex Ruptured ovarian cyst Unusually light period Loss of concentration Vertigo Shaking Disorientation Fainting Unusual sensation in the eye Red eye Sensitivity to light Dry throat Taste changes Thirst Allergic reactions |
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of ellaOne side effects. For further information regarding the safety of this medication, please consult the Patient Information Leaflet which comes enclosed with your treatment.
If you get any ellaOne side effects, including any that aren’t listed here, you can report them to the Yellow Card Scheme to help healthcare professionals gain a better understanding of the medication’s safety.
EllaOne Warnings and Interactions
ellaOne may not be suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions and medications can interact with its active ingredient, ulipristal acetate, and reduce its effectiveness. During your consultation, it is important to be honest with the clinician about any conditions you have or medications you take, so they can make sure it is suitable for you.
Do not take ellaOne if you are allergic to ulipristal acetate or any other ingredients listed in the medication. Before taking ellaOne, tell the clinician if:
- Your period is late, or you have any pregnancy symptoms
- You have severe asthma
- You have severe liver disease
There is some evidence suggesting that ellaOne may be less effective if you have a high body mass index (BMI) or are overweight, but the data are limited and inconclusive. ellaOne is still recommended for all women regardless of their weight. If you are concerned about your weight and ellaOne effectiveness, speak to your clinician.
ellaOne Tablets and Allergic Reaction
In rare cases, ellaOne can cause an allergic reaction, which is a medical emergency. Call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department for treatment.
Signs of an allergic reaction include:
- Tightness in the chest
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or mouth
- A raised, itchy skin rash
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
Take the medication packaging with you so that the healthcare professionals know what you have taken and can provide the correct treatment.
If You Are Taking Other Contraceptives
ellaOne can temporarily make your usual hormonal contraceptive, such as combined or mini pills, vaginal ring, or the patch, less effective. Similarly, ulipristal acetate could be made less effective if you have recently taken a progestogen.
After using the ellaOne morning after pill, you should wait for 5 days before restarting your usual method of contraception. Additional precautions, such as using condoms, need to be used during this time as well. Once you have restarted your regular contraceptives, you will still have to use extra barrier methods for a few more days until your usual contraception is fully effective once again.
The time it takes for your regular contraception method to regain its full effectiveness is as follows:
Method of Contraception | Timeframe |
|---|---|
Qlaira combined contraceptive | 9 days |
Other combined pills | 7 days |
Vaginal ring | 7 days |
Transdermal patch | 7 days |
Progestogen-only/mini pill | 2 days |
Do not take ellaOne with another emergency contraceptive that contains levonorgestrel, such as Levonelle, because taking them together can reduce ellaOne’s effectiveness.
ellaOne Interactions
As part of your online consultation, it’s important to let the clinician know about any medications you are currently taking. This includes any prescribed and over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements.
Tell the clinician if you have taken any of the following in the last 4 weeks, because ellaOne may not be suitable for you:
- Medicines to treat epilepsy, such as primidone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, fosphenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine and barbiturates
- Rifampicin, rifabutin, or any other medicines to treat tuberculosis
- HIV medications, like ritonavir, efavirenz, and nevirapine
- Herbal remedies containing St John’s wort
If you have taken any of the above in the last 4 weeks, the clinician may recommend a non-hormonal emergency contraception alternative, such as the copper intrauterine device (IUD).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take ellaOne if you are or think you might be pregnant. If your period is late, take a pregnancy test before taking the morning after pill. If you get pregnant even though you took ellaOne, you should ask your doctor to register your pregnancy in an official registry. This will help people in the future understand the safety and risks of ellaOne.
If you take ellaOne while you are breastfeeding, do not breastfeed for one week after taking the pill. You should use a breast pump during this week-long break and throw away your breast milk. That’s because the effect of breastfeeding your baby in the week after taking ellaOne is not known.
If you are unsure about any of this information, speak to a clinician or your midwife before taking ellaOne.
Where Can I Get ellaOne Pills?
When it comes to emergency contraception, time is of the essence, so it is important to have a clear understanding of where you can get ellaOne quickly and easily if you need it. It may be available on the NHS, or you can buy it online from trusted services or direct from a high street pharmacist.
Can I Buy ellaOne Over the Counter?
Yes, you can buy ellaOne over the counter at most UK pharmacies without a prescription. It is known as a ‘pharmacy-only’ medicine, which means you will need to speak to a pharmacist who will ask you a few questions to make sure it is safe and suitable for you to take. You will need to pay for ellaOne if you purchase it over the counter, and the price can vary.
Getting ellaOne morning after pills in this way involves visiting a pharmacy in person, which some people may find off-putting. This is why women may prefer using a discreet online service, such as Prescription Doctor, which takes care of everything from ensuring the treatment is suitable for your circumstances to delivering the item straight to your door in plain packaging.
Is ellaOne on the NHS?
Yes, ellaOne is available on the NHS. You will need to see your GP, visit a sexual health clinic, or it may be available from some NHS walk-in centres, so that a healthcare professional can make sure it is safe for you.
In some cases, you may be given a generic 30 mg ulipristal acetate film-coated tablet rather than the branded ellaOne version. They are both exactly the same, work in the same way, and are equally effective, but generic medications tend to be cheaper.
Can You Buy ellaOne Online?
Yes, you can buy ellaOne online from trusted online pharmacies, like Prescription Doctor. You will need to complete a short online medical assessment so that our clinician can make sure ellaOne is right for you.
Once approved, we will send your medication via our next-day courier service if your order is approved by 3 pm Monday to Friday. All medication is shipped in discreet packaging and dispensed by our General Pharmaceutical Council-registered pharmacy.
Can I Get ellaOne Now?
If you’re wondering, “Can I get the ellaOne pill near me?” and live in the Bolton borough, you can get ellaOne and other emergency contraceptives from our dispensing pharmacy by calling 01204548854. The pharmacy is open on Bank Holidays and weekends, so you can get ellaOne conveniently without having to worry.
Frequently Asked Questions About ellaOne Morning After Pills
Should I Take ellaOne Instead of My Mini Pill?
No, ellaOne is not a substitute for contraception and is only intended for unexpected situations, such as missing your regular pill or having unprotected sex. It should never be relied on frequently. Speak to your clinician about the contraceptives available. They will be able to help you make an informed decision on which treatment is suitable for you.
Can You Take ellaOne on Your Period?
Yes, you can take ellaOne anytime during your menstrual cycle, including during your period. Even if you are on your period, it is possible to ovulate early or have a short cycle, making emergency contraception necessary. You should take it as soon as possible after having unprotected sex, but no later than 5 days after.
Can I Take ellaOne Twice in a Week?
Yes, you can take ellaOne twice a week or within a menstrual cycle, but it is not recommended for regular use. Although ellaOne can work to stop you getting pregnant for separate instances in the same cycle, taking it twice in a week can increase the chance of side effects and delay your period.
How Many Times Can I Take ellaOne in a Month?
There is no set number of times you can take ellaOne during a month, but it is only intended for emergency use and not as a regular contraceptive. Frequent use can disrupt your menstrual cycle. If you find that you’re often having to rely on emergency contraception, consult a clinician for advice.
For ongoing contraception, methods such as the combined pill, mini pill, or contraceptive ring are available.
How Will I Know ellaOne Has Worked?
The only way to know if ellaOne has worked is to wait for your next period, which may be earlier or up to 7 days later than expected. If your period is more than 7 days late, unusually light or heavy, or if you have pregnancy symptoms, take a pregnancy test to be sure the pill worked.
What if ellaOne Doesn’t Work?
If you miss your next period and a pregnancy test is positive, get in touch with your GP right away. You should also speak to your doctor as soon as possible if your period is more than 7 days late.
Have I Left it Too Late?
As long as you take the ellaOne morning after pill within 120 hours (5 days) of having unprotected sex, ellaOne should be effective. However, the medication will not work if you have already ovulated or are already pregnant. It is advised that you also follow up with a pregnancy test at the time of your next period to be sure that ellaOne has worked.
I’ve Had No Period After an ellaOne Negative Pregnancy Test. What Does This Mean?
If you have had a negative pregnancy test result, but have not had a period since taking ellaOne, it could mean several things. It could be too early for the pregnancy test to detect pregnancy. Ideally, you should wait until your period is 3 weeks late to take a pregnancy test for an accurate result.
Your period could also be late because ellaOne works by delaying ovulation, which can shift your natural cycle by a few days, so it is common for your period to be a few days late. Speak to your clinician if you are concerned.
Can ellaOne Cause Cramps?
Yes, stomach cramps or discomfort are common ellaOne side effects, affecting up to 1 in 10 people. They are often mild and temporary, and can be managed at home with painkillers or a warm compress on your stomach. If the cramps are severe, speak to your clinician for more advice.
Does ellaOne Delay Periods?
Yes, ellaOne can delay your period, but it should not be used for this purpose. Because it works by delaying ovulation by up to 5 days, ellaOne can shift your menstrual cycle and delay your period by a few days. If you are looking to delay your period for an occasion, such as a holiday, use our Period Delay service.
Does ellaOne Cause Weight Gain?
No, ellaOne does not usually cause long-term weight gain, but it can cause temporary water retention and appetite changes, which may lead to temporary weight fluctuations. There is no direct scientific evidence to suggest that the ellaOne morning after pill increases body fat.
Can ellaOne Affect Fertility?
No, ellaOne will not affect future fertility. If you have unprotected sex after taking ellaOne, it will not stop you from getting pregnant, so it is important that you use condoms each time you have sex until your next period.
How Do I Store ellaOne Pills?
ellaOne pills should be stored in their original packaging away from direct light. It does not require any special temperature conditions. You should store ellaOne out of the sight and reach of children, and it is important that you do not take it after the expiry date printed on the original box and blister pack. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.
Sources
BMJ (2000): The timing of the “fertile window” in the menstrual cycle: day specific estimates from a prospective study.
EMC (2023): Ulipristal 30mg film-coated tablets.
EMC (2022): Patient Information Leaflet.
CoSRH (2023): FSRH Clinical Guideline: Emergency Contraception.
NHS Great Western Hospitals: Emergency contraceptive pill with ulipristal acetate (UPA).
ellaOne: How long does the morning after pill last in your system?
PubMed (2012): Results from pooled Phase III studies of ulipristal acetate for emergency contraception.
NHS (2024): What is the emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill)?
Treatment information
- Product Name: ellaOne
- Active Ingredient(s): Ulipristal acetate
- Manufacturer: Perrigo
- Administration: Oral
- Presentation: White Tablets
- Available Strength: 30 mg
- Application: Emergency contraception
- Dosage: Take 1 tablet within 5 days of sexual intercourse
- Description: ellaOne is a contraceptive intended to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex
- Drug class: Progesterone receptor modulators
- Alcohol consumption: No influence
- Price: 29.99 GBP
Click here to view the ellaOne - Patient Information Leaflet
Authored By
Leanne Edermaniger
Medical Content Writer
Leanne is a science and health content writer focusing on human health and biology while utilising her solid academic background.
Published on: 18/01/2017 Re-Published on: 01/05/2026
Published on: 18/01/2017 Re-Published on: 01/05/2026
Reviewed By
Mohamed Imran Lakhi
MPharm - Lead Pharmacist
Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.
Reviewed on: 01/05/2026
Reviewed on: 01/05/2026
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