EllaOne is a 'morning after pill' that is taken in a single dose for emergency contraception. EllaOne is the newest form of 'morning after pill' available and be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive accident and still remain effective. EllaOne is thought to be up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy as long as it is taken within 120 hours of the incident. It is the most effective morning-after pill in the UK.

EllaOne is not a regular contraceptive method and should not be used more than once per menstrual cycle. It will not interrupt an existing pregnancy and does not affect your fertility.

EllaOne contains the hormone ulipristal acetate. It acts to prevent the release of eggs from the ovaries during ovulation and to reduce the chance of a fertilised egg implanting in the womb.

EllaOne should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after sex and still be effective. It can be taken at any point in your cycle.

A very small minority of women feel sick after taking EllaOne, if you are sick within 3 hours of taking the tablet you must obtain a further supply as it will not be effective.

EllaOne may cause your next period to come earlier or later than normal, and it may be heavier or lighter than usual.

You should continue using your regular method of contraception after taking EllaOne, emergency contraception will not protect you for the rest of your cycle.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet contained within the packaging for side effects and additional information.

For further information or alternatives, you will need to either contact your own GP or visit your nearest GUM clinic.

This information can be found on the NHS Choices website.

EllaOne can make hormonal contraceptives, such as pills or patches, less effective. After taking EllaOne you should continue to use your regular hormonal contraceptive and also use condoms until your next period.

The following medicines may make EllaOne work less well:

• Phenytoin, fosphenytoine, phenobarbital, primidone, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine (used to treat epilepsy)

• Ritonavir, efavirenz, nevirapine (used to treat HIV infection)

• Rifampicin, rifabutin (used to treat tuberculosis)

• St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) or herbal medicines that contain it (used for depression or anxiety).

If you are taking any of the above medicines you should discuss emergency contraception with your GP to ensure that it is effective.

Please read the Patient Information Leaflet enclosed with your medicines for a full list of medicines that may affect EllaOne.

Do not take EllaOne if your period is already overdue as you may already be pregnant. You should see your GP or family planning clinic.

EllaOne should not replace your regular methods of contraception, such as the pill or condoms; these are more reliable and effective.

• EllaOne should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
• It is only effective up to 120 hours after, if it has been longer than this you should not take EllaOne and see your GP to discuss emergency contraception.
• If you are sick or suffer from diarrhoea within 3 hours of taking EllaOne it may not have been absorbed and will not be effective. You will need to obtain another supply as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, EllaOne is not 100% effective at preventing pregnancy, however, it is up to 98% effective if it is taken within 120 hours of unprotected sex.

If your next period has not arrived 5 or more days from when it was due you should take a pregnancy test.

Each EllaOne tablet contains the active ingredient: ulipristal acetate 30mg.

The other inactive ingredients include: lactose, povidone K30, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate.

Usually, less than 1 in 10 people experience side effects from EllaOne, however, the most common may include:

• Abdominal pains
• Nausea or sickness
• Dizziness
• Spotting or abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Headaches
• Mood changes
• Breast or back pain
• Painful periods
• Tiredness

If you experience any adverse effects from taking your prescribed medicine it is important to let a healthcare professional know immediately. In a medical emergency, you should contact the emergency services or go straight to your local Accident & Emergency.