What is Ella: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Ella overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Ella

Generic Names:

  • Ella

Uses:

  • Prevents pregnancy. This medicine is an emergency contraceptive pill.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Contraceptive

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Ella used for?

Ella is a oral contraceptive used in emergencies to prevent pregnancy in women after having sexual intercourse with the use of a condom. It stops the ovary from releasing an egg which makes it difficult for the egg to be attached to the uterus. Ella should not be used regularly as a form of birth control and should not be used to terminate a pregnancy.

What form(s) does Ella come in

  • Tablet

What are common Ella doses?

  • Box 1 Tablets

Common Ella prescriptions

  • Ella
    1 tablets box

How to take Ella

  • Take 1 tablet as soon as possible within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex or failure of another birth control method.

  • If you vomit within 3 hours of the time you take this medicine, call your doctor right away. Your doctor may prescribe another tablet for you.

  • This medicine is only for occasional use as emergency birth control. It should not replace your regular birth control method. This medicine may be taken at any time during your monthly cycle, but do not use this medicine more than 1 time in the same monthly cycle.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the tablet in the blister card inside the original box until you are ready to use it. Do not use it if the package is broken or torn.

  • If you vomit within 3 hours of the time you take this medicine, call your doctor right away. Your doctor may prescribe another tablet for you.

  • This medicine is only for occasional use as emergency birth control. It should not replace your regular birth control method. This medicine may be taken at any time during your monthly cycle, but do not use this medicine more than 1 time in the same monthly cycle.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Take 1 tablet as soon as possible within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex or failure of another birth control method.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the tablet in the blister card inside the original box until you are ready to use it. Do not use it if the package is broken or torn.

What to do if you miss a dose of Ella

Ella contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ulipristal, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Ella warnings

  • Although this medicine is used to prevent pregnancy, you should know that this medicine could harm an unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

  • This medicine may make your next monthly period early or late by a few days. If your next period is more than 1 week late, check with your doctor right away for a pregnancy test.

  • Your regular birth control method might not work as well while you are using this medicine, if you usually use a hormonal method such as birth control pills. Do not start taking a hormonal contraceptive for at least 5 days after you take this medicine. You must use a barrier method until your next period. Some barrier methods are a condom with spermicide, diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

  • This medicine will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Ella interactions

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how ulipristal works. Tell your doctor if you are using a barbiturate or bosentan, carbamazepine, felbamate, griseofulvin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, topiramate, or St John's wort.

  • This medicine may make your next monthly period early or late by a few days. If your next period is more than 1 week late, check with your doctor right away for a pregnancy test.

  • This medicine will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections.

  • Your regular birth control method might not work as well while you are using this medicine, if you usually use a hormonal method such as birth control pills. Do not start taking a hormonal contraceptive for at least 5 days after you take this medicine. You must use a barrier method until your next period. Some barrier methods are a condom with spermicide, diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Ella side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Tiredness or dizziness

  • Severe abdominal or stomach pain

  • Heavy bleeding or cramping

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea, mild stomach pain

  • Headache

  • Tiredness or dizziness

  • Mild pain with your next period or light spotting before your period starts

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