EllaOne is a single-dose emergency contraceptive pill that helps prevent pregnancy by delaying or stopping ovulation. It is most effective when used soon after unprotected sex, especially if you are close to your fertile window. It does not end an existing pregnancy and should be taken as early as possible.

EllaOne is considered themost effective emergency contraceptive pill available in the UK, especially when ovulation is approaching. It maintains high effectiveness up to 120 hours after unprotected sex. It is often recommended over levonorgestrel when timing is uncertain or when sex happened later in the cycle.

You can take EllaOne up to 120 hours after unprotected sex, but it works best when taken as soon as possible. The sooner it delays ovulation, the greater the chance of preventing pregnancy. If more than 120 hours have passed, a copper coil may be recommended.

If you vomit within three hours of taking ellaOne, you may need another dose because the medicine might not have been absorbed. Contact a pharmacist or clinician promptly for advice. Use condoms or avoid sex until your next period arrives to avoid further pregnancy risk.

Common side effects include headache, mild stomach pain, nausea, tender breasts or temporary spotting. Your next period may be earlier or later than usual. Most symptoms settle on their own. Seek medical advice if you experience severe pain or if your period is significantly delayed.

EllaOne may not be suitable if you are breastfeeding, have severe asthma controlled by steroids, liver problems or take medicines that affect hormone processing. It should not be used twice in the same cycle unless a clinician advises it. A consultation ensures the safest option is chosen.

You can restart contraception, but most hormonal methods must be delayed for at least five days because they can reduce ellaOne’s effectiveness if taken too soon. Use condoms during this time and follow guidance for when your usual method becomes reliable again.

EllaOne works particularly well when ovulation is near, as it can delay or stop the egg being released. However, no pill can prevent pregnancy if ovulation has already occurred. In those cases, the copper IUD is the most reliable option. A consultation can help assess timing and choose the strongest method.

Your period may come a few days earlier or later than expected after ellaOne. The flow can also be lighter or heavier than usual. Mild spotting is common. If your period is more than seven days late or symptoms of pregnancy occur, take a test to confirm the outcome.

You can take ellaOne again if needed, but using it multiple times in the same cycle is not ideal and may disrupt your period. It is also less reliable than establishing a regular contraceptive method. If pregnancy risk keeps happening, a clinician can help choose a long-term option.

Evidence suggests ellaOne may work better than levonorgestrel for people with a higher body weight, but no emergency pill is as consistently effective as a copper IUD across all BMI ranges. Your clinician will help choose the most reliable option for your circumstances.

EllaOne passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding is usually paused temporarily after taking it. You may be advised to express and discard milk for a short period. If breastfeeding, levonorgestrel may be a better option depending on timing and suitability.

Yes. Some epilepsy medicines, HIV treatments, tuberculosis medicines and products like St John’s wort can reduce ellaOne’s effectiveness. Always mention prescriptions, supplements and herbal products during your consultation so the safest method can be recommended.

EllaOne only works on ovulation at the time you take it. It cannot prevent pregnancy from sex that happened earlier in your cycle if ovulation had already occurred. If you had multiple risks, consider a pregnancy test after your expected period date.

Test if your period is more than seven days late, you develop symptoms of pregnancy or if your cycle is irregular and timing is unclear. Testing around three weeks after using ellaOne can also provide reassurance about the outcome.