There are 2 types of emergency contraception; the pill method and the insertion of a device called the copper intrauterine device (IUD). A copper IUD can prevent pregnancy because its presence is toxic to sperms. A woman might use emergency contraception if she forgot to take her birth control pills, if the condom broke or slipped off during sexual intercourse, or if no birth control methods were used.
Ella®( ulipristal acetate) , also known as “Morning-After Pill”, is one of the pill methods. It is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse.
You may experience some spotting or bleeding within two to three days after taking the tablet. Your next period usually starts within a week from your expected date. However, if your period is more than 7 days late, it is recommended to get a pregnancy test. If you experience heavy or extended period of bleeding, or very bad stomach pain, you should consult your doctor
Other side-effects:
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
Some medications may prevent this medication from working effectively. Inform your healthcare professional if you have taken any medication since the last 4 weeks to ensure the correct type of emergency contraceptive has been prescribed for you.
You may still get pregnant if there is sexual intercourse after taking the pill. Ensure that you use a condom or any other type of birth control method if you have sexual intercourse after taking the emergency contraceptive pill.
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.
When can I start my regular hormonal contraception after taking Ella®?
You can start 5 days after taking Ella®. You must also use a barrier method ( for example; condoms, diaphragms and spermicides) until your next menstrual period, or not have sexual intercourse.
Using a hormonal birth control method and taking Ella® at the same time can reduce the effectiveness of both medications.
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