A new form of "morning after pill" has been recently introduced to the market.
EllaOne (ulipristol acetate 30mg) was previously a prescription medicine since April 2016, but has been re-scheduled as a pharmacist-only medicine from the 1st of February 2017.
What is EllaOne?
According to the manufacturer:
EllaOne works by delaying egg release. So, by the time an egg is released (ovulation) the sperm inside you are no longer capable of making you pregnant.
EllaOne may be used within 120 hours of unprotected sex.
For patients who may require an emergency form of contraception, please note that this medicine works by delaying ovulation, so it may not be effective if you have already ovulated (ovulation occurs approximately 2 weeks before your next expected period).
Prior to the scheduling change of EllaOne, the other available form of morning after pill was Levonorgestrel 1.5mg.
Levonorgestrel (commonly marketed under many different brands such as Postinor, Postella, Levonelle etc.) is recommended to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Levonorgestrel 1.5mg is thought to work by thickening uterine mucous to slow down the passage of sperm, inhibit the implantation of an egg by sperm and possibly also delay ovulation as well.
EllaOne and Levonorgestrel have a similar safety profile if taken according to the recommended dose.
It is estimated that Postinor-2 will prevent 85% of expected pregnancies. 95% of expected pregnancies will be prevented if taken within the first 24 hours, declining to 58% if taken between 48 hours and 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
Importantly, neither of the above two products can provide protection for subsequent unprotected intercourse.
We currently stock both products and would be happy to speak to you if you have any further queries or if you require information regarding adverse effects, interactions etc.
EllaOne (ulipristol acetate 30mg) was previously a prescription medicine since April 2016, but has been re-scheduled as a pharmacist-only medicine from the 1st of February 2017.
What is EllaOne?
According to the manufacturer:
EllaOne works by delaying egg release. So, by the time an egg is released (ovulation) the sperm inside you are no longer capable of making you pregnant.
EllaOne may be used within 120 hours of unprotected sex.
For patients who may require an emergency form of contraception, please note that this medicine works by delaying ovulation, so it may not be effective if you have already ovulated (ovulation occurs approximately 2 weeks before your next expected period).
Prior to the scheduling change of EllaOne, the other available form of morning after pill was Levonorgestrel 1.5mg.
Levonorgestrel (commonly marketed under many different brands such as Postinor, Postella, Levonelle etc.) is recommended to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Levonorgestrel 1.5mg is thought to work by thickening uterine mucous to slow down the passage of sperm, inhibit the implantation of an egg by sperm and possibly also delay ovulation as well.
EllaOne and Levonorgestrel have a similar safety profile if taken according to the recommended dose.
It is estimated that Postinor-2 will prevent 85% of expected pregnancies. 95% of expected pregnancies will be prevented if taken within the first 24 hours, declining to 58% if taken between 48 hours and 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.
Importantly, neither of the above two products can provide protection for subsequent unprotected intercourse.
We currently stock both products and would be happy to speak to you if you have any further queries or if you require information regarding adverse effects, interactions etc.
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