• Works up to 120 hours after unprotected sex.
  • A highly effective, single-tablet solution.
  • Discreet and accessible when you need it most.

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Overview

Disclaimer - SwiftMedi provides this service as a precaution as a standby treatment should unprotected sex occur. If you have had unprotected sex, it is important to visit your local GP or Community Pharmacy as soon as possible for medication supply.

If you’ve had unprotected sex or your contraception hasn’t worked as planned, Ulipristal acetate is a safe and effective way to lower the risk of pregnancy. As the generic version of ellaOne, it offers the same trusted protection - working for up to 5 days (120 hours) after sex. By delaying ovulation, it gives you peace of mind when you need it most, without the brand name cost.
Every order through SwiftMedi is reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber following a secure online consultation, with discreet next-day delivery.


What is Ulipristal acetate

Ulipristal acetate 30mg is a form of emergency hormonal contraception that works in the same way as ellaOne:

  • Effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex
  • Often more effective than levonorgestrel, especially later in the time window
  • Available as a single-dose tablet
  • Clinically identical to the branded option


It works by delaying ovulation, preventing the release of an egg until sperm can no longer fertilise it. It does not cause abortion and has no effect on an existing pregnancy.

Directions

  • Take one 30mg tablet as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
  • Can be taken at any point in the menstrual cycle.
  • Works for up to 120 hours (5 days), but is most effective the sooner it’s taken.
  • If vomiting occurs within 3 hours, another dose may be needed.
  • Resume regular contraception afterwards as advised by your prescriber.


Additional precautions may be needed if you use hormonal contraception (e.g., pill, patch, implant, ring).

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Ulipristal can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain or stomach cramps
  • Changes to your next period (it may be earlier, later, heavier, or lighter)

Less common (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • Dizziness or tiredness (fatigue)
  • Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
  • Breast tenderness

Rare but serious (seek medical advice immediately):

  • Severe lower stomach pain, which could indicate an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the womb).
  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.

 

Disclaimer: This is not a complete list of side effects. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. If you notice anything unusual or concerning, stop using the medicine and seek medical advice promptly. In an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.
 
 
 

Warnings

Ulipristal acetate may not be suitable if you:

  • Are already pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding (express and discard milk for 1 week)
  • Have severe asthma requiring oral steroids
  • Have liver disease
  • Are taking enzyme-inducing medications (certain epilepsy, HIV, TB medicines, or herbal remedies like St John’s Wort)


Your prescriber will review your health and medications to ensure safety.

Frequently asked questions
  • What is Ulipristal 30mg and how does it work?

    Ulipristal 30mg is a non-hormonal emergency contraceptive that works by delaying or preventing ovulation. It is often used when unprotected sex occurs closer to the fertile window, as it continues to work later in the cycle than levonorgestrel. It does not end an existing pregnancy and should be taken as soon as possible.

  • How effective is Ulipristal compared with other emergency contraceptives?

    Ulipristal 30mg is generally more effective than levonorgestrel, particularly if ovulation is approaching. It can offer reliable protection up to 120 hours after unprotected sex, although earlier use remains best. Effectiveness can be reduced by certain medicines or if hormonal contraception is restarted too soon.

  • How long after unprotected sex can I take Ulipristal 30mg?

    Ulipristal can be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected sex, giving it the longest effective window of any emergency contraceptive pill. While it remains effective throughout this period, taking it earlier increases success. If more than 120 hours have passed, a copper IUD may be recommended.

  • How do I take Ulipristal correctly for best protection?

    Take one tablet as soon as possible and avoid restarting hormonal contraception for at least five days unless advised. Use condoms until your regular method is fully effective again. Do not take levonorgestrel-based emergency contraception within the next five days, as this can reduce how well Ulipristal works.

  • What side effects can Ulipristal cause?

    Common side effects include headache, mild abdominal discomfort, nausea, dizziness or temporary changes in your next period. Most symptoms settle quickly. If you vomit within three hours of taking Ulipristal, you may need another dose. Severe pain or signs of pregnancy should be assessed by a clinician.

  • Who should not use Ulipristal 30mg?

    Ulipristal may not be suitable if you are breastfeeding, have severe asthma controlled by steroids, liver disease or take medicines that affect hormone metabolism. It should not be used more than once in the same cycle without clinical advice. A clinician will help choose the safest option.

  • Can I start or continue regular contraception after taking Ulipristal?

    You can restart contraception, but most hormonal methods must be delayed for at least five days, as starting too soon may reduce Ulipristal’s effectiveness. Use condoms during this period and follow guidance for when your usual method becomes protective again.

  • Why is Ulipristal sometimes recommended instead of levonorgestrel?

    Ulipristal is often preferred when unprotected sex occurs near ovulation or when more than 72 hours have passed. It maintains effectiveness later into the fertile window than levonorgestrel. People with higher body weight or those taking certain medicines may also benefit from alternative options based on clinical advice.

  • Does Ulipristal still work if I’m close to ovulation?

    Ulipristal is specifically designed to delay or prevent ovulation even when it is close to occurring, making it more effective in this situation than levonorgestrel. However, if ovulation has already happened, no emergency contraceptive pill can stop pregnancy. A copper IUD may then be more reliable.

  • Can Ulipristal be used more than once in a cycle?

    While Ulipristal can be taken more than once in a cycle, it is not routinely recommended without clinician guidance. Repeated doses may affect your cycle and are less effective than using ongoing contraception. If pregnancy risk happens repeatedly, discussing a long-term method may help.

  • Does Ulipristal affect my next period or cause spotting?

    Your period may come earlier, later or be slightly different in flow or duration after taking Ulipristal. Light spotting can also occur. These changes are usually temporary. If your period is more than seven days late, take a pregnancy test to confirm the outcome.

  • Can I use Ulipristal while breastfeeding?

    Ulipristal passes into breast milk and is not generally recommended for breastfeeding individuals. If used, you may be advised to express and discard milk for a short period. A clinician can recommend the safest emergency contraceptive option based on your situation.

  • Does Ulipristal interact with hormonal contraception or other medicines?

    Yes. Medicines for epilepsy, HIV, tuberculosis and some herbal supplements can reduce effectiveness. Restarting hormonal contraception too soon can also interfere with how Ulipristal works. Always mention all medicines and supplements during your consultation.

  • Is Ulipristal suitable for people with higher body weight?

    Evidence suggests Ulipristal may be more effective than levonorgestrel for people with a higher body weight, although alternatives such as the copper IUD offer the most reliable protection across all groups. A clinician will recommend the safest and most effective choice.

  • When should I take a pregnancy test after using Ulipristal?

    Take a test if your period is more than seven days late or if you develop symptoms of pregnancy. If you have irregular cycles, testing around three weeks after using Ulipristal can also confirm whether it worked.

Related Treatments for Emergency Hormonal Contraception