What is Ulipristal?
Ulipristal is a contraceptive that can be used in emergencies. It acts by preventing the release of eggs from the ovary. Ulipristal can cause a delay for fertilized eggs to connect with the uterus.
Ulipristal is used to stop pregnancy following a sex session without the use of a condom or another reliable contraception method. Ulipristal can also be employed to stop pregnancy after the normal method of birth control has not worked. Ulipristal is not utilized as a regular type of weekly, daily, or monthly birth control.
Ulipristal can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Side effects of Ulipristal
Contact a medical professional immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response, like hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Consult your physician immediately or seek urgent medical attention if you experience extreme discomfort in your stomach (especially on one side) 3 to 5 weeks following the use of Ulipristal.
Common adverse effects of ulipristal could include:
- Headache;
- Tiredness, dizziness, and a feeling of fatigue
- Nausea, stomach pain, or
- Menstrual discomfort.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Ulipristal is not recommended to be used for a continuous type of weekly, daily, or monthly birth control. Ulipristal could harm an infant or cause a birth defect. Don't use it if you are already pregnant or believe you may be expecting.
Prior to use this drug
It is not recommended to use ulipristal if you've already established that you're expecting or if you're allergic to the ingredient.
Don't use ulipristal if you haven't yet begun menstrual cycles or if you are beyond menopausal.
Speak to your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy or
- If your last menstrual cycle was longer than 4 weeks in the past,
This medication could cause harm to an unborn baby as well as cause birth defects. Don't use emergency contraception if you are expecting or suspect you may be expecting.
It is not recommended to breastfeed when taking this medicine.
How to take Ulipristal?
Follow the instructions on the prescription label and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. Follow the medication precisely as prescribed. Ulipristal is usually prescribed immediately following unprotected sex or failed birth control methods (such as condoms that break during sexual activity). Follow the dosing guidelines of your doctor extremely carefully. Ulipristal can be taken at any moment during menstrual cycles, but you must apply the medication within five days (120 hours) following a sexual encounter that is not protected. If you experience vomiting within 3 hours of taking ulipristal, the medication might not be as efficient. Contact your doctor to discuss the need to take another tablet of ulipristal.
It is possible to take ulipristal in combination with or without food. After taking ulipristal, it is recommended that you use a barrier type for birth control (condom or diaphragm that contains the spermicide) at a minimum until the time of your next menstrual cycle.
It is recommended to wait at least five days after taking the ulipristal prior to beginning hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, injectable implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings). Both hormonal and ulipristal birth control can be less effective if used simultaneously. It is possible that you will need to use an alternative form to control births until hormonal birth control begins to take effect.
Keep the container in its original form at room temperature and away from heat, moisture, and light. Consult your physician if your next menstrual cycle is longer than one week late. You'll need the test for pregnancy to make sure that you're not pregnant. Don't take an additional course of the drug ulipristal.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Contraception:
30 mg orally, as soon as it is safe to do so after the first 120 minutes (5 days) following an unprotected sexual encounter or suspected contraceptive failure.
Comments:
If the vomiting is seen within three hours, thought is needed to re-instill the dosage.
The medication can be taken anytime during menstrual cycles.
The drug is not designed to be used in routine usage as a contraceptive.
Use: Preventing pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or a suspected or confirmed contraceptive inability
What happens if I miss the dose?
Since ulipristal can only be used once, when required, it does not come with a daily dose schedule.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Ulipristal does not shield your body from sexually transmitted illnesses, which include HIV as well as AIDS. Utilizing a condom is the only way to safeguard yourself from these illnesses.
Interaction with other drugs
Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, including:
- Birth control pill;
- Bosentan;
- Griseofulvin;
- John's Wort
- Rifampin;
- Topiramate;
- A barbiturate—butabarbital, secobarbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital; or
- Seizure medicine: carbamazepine, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, and phenytoin.
This list isn't complete. Other medications can affect Ulipristal, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs, which are included here.
