Ella
(ulipristal)
A one-time dose that prevents pregnancy when taken within 120 hours after unprotected sex.
Our bottom line
Ella (ulipristal) effectively prevents pregnancy when taken within 120 hours after unprotected sex, but it will not stop an existing pregnancy.
- Drug class: Women's health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Only need to take 1 pill.
- Side effects are few and pass quickly for most people.
- Has a lower failure rate than the over-the-counter emergency contraceptives.
- Equally effective regardless of which part of your menstrual cycle you are in.
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Ella, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Does not work if it's been longer than 120 hours since unprotected sex.
- Requires a prescription and doesn't have a generic.
- This can't be used to stop an existing pregnancy.
- If you're taking hormonal contraceptives, a barrier method must also be used until your next menstrual cycle.
- Doesn't protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Ella, on one page
Download Fact SheetElla (ulipristal) prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation and preventing a fertilized egg from implanting.
- Drug class: Women's health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- Emergency contraception
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.
Pay as low as$38.215003967285156Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- CostcoGet free coupon$43.79
- Get free coupon
$43.94 - AlbertsonsGet free coupon$43.94
What to expect when you take Ella (ulipristal) for Emergency contraception
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Side effect rates for Ella (ulipristal)
- Headache18%18%
- Stomach pain15%15%
- Nausea12%12%
- Menstrual cramps7%7%
- Fatigue6%6%
- Dizziness5%5%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Ella.
People taking Ella felt side effect more
People taking Ella felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Ella (ulipristal)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Sex without barrier protection
Ella (ulipristal) doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like HIV. Barrier methods, such as condoms, must be used to help protect you. Please talk to your doctor if you are worried about STIs.