New Emergency Contraceptive Option

Ella (ulipristal) is a relatively new emergency contraceptive option for women. Previous emergency contraceptives, like Plan-B, were only effective of up to 72 hours unlike Ella which remains effective for up to five days. One potential drawback is that Ella requires a prescription, which may deter some women, especially teens, from seeking out its use.

Dose: 30 mg; take as soon as possible up to 5 days after intercourse or suspected contraceptive failure

Contraindications: Known or suspected pregnancy

Adverse effects:

• Headache (18%)
• Abdominal pain (12%)
• Nausea (12%)
• Dysmenorrhea (9%)
• Fatigue (6%)
• Dizziness (5%)

Precautions:

• Continue or start patient's regular contraception after using Ella
• Do not repeatedly use Ella in a single menstrual cycle
• If next period is delayed by more than one week, evaluate patient for pregnancy
• Patients who become pregnant or experience lower abdominal pain require evaluation for ectopic pregnancy

Resources:

1. http://www.ellanow.com

2. Lexicomp. Ella. Accessed 8/5/2015. Available at: <http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uiowa.edu/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/2856384#coi>