Drug Detail:Ulipristal (Ulipristal [ ue-li-pris-tal ])
Generic Name: Ulipristal Tablets (Ella) [ ue-li-PRIS-tal ]
Drug Class: Progesterone receptor modulators
Uses of Ulipristal Tablets:
- It is used to prevent pregnancy.
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Ulipristal Tablets?
- If you have an allergy to ulipristal or any other part of this medicine (ulipristal tablets).
- If you are allergic to this medicine (ulipristal tablets); any part of this medicine (ulipristal tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you are taking any drugs that may make this medicine (ulipristal tablets) not work as well. This includes bosentan, carbamazepine, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John's wort, and topiramate. There are many drugs that can do this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
- If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not take this medicine (ulipristal tablets) if you are pregnant.
- If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (ulipristal tablets).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (ulipristal tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Ulipristal Tablets?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (ulipristal tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- This medicine will not end a pregnancy.
- This medicine is not for regular use to prevent pregnancy.
- Do not take this medicine (ulipristal tablets) more than one time in the same period (menstrual) cycle.
- This medicine may not work for all people who use it. Talk with the doctor.
- This medicine does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through blood or having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. Do not share needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors.
- Certain health problems could cause this medicine (ulipristal tablets) to not work as well. Be sure your doctor knows about all of your health problems.
- If you have very bad lower belly pain 3 to 5 weeks after taking this medicine (ulipristal tablets), call your doctor right away.
- If your period is delayed for more than 7 days, talk with your doctor.
- Birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control may not work as well to prevent pregnancy. If you will be using hormone-based birth control, wait at least 5 days after taking this medicine (ulipristal tablets) before starting it. Use a barrier form of birth control like a condom with spermicide during this time and until your next menstrual period.
How is this medicine (Ulipristal Tablets) best taken?
Use this medicine (ulipristal tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food.
- Take this medicine (ulipristal tablets) within 5 days after unprotected sex.
- If you throw up within 3 hours of taking this medicine (ulipristal tablets), call your doctor.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Only 1 dose of this medicine (ulipristal tablets) is needed. If you miss your dose, take it as soon as you think about it.
- This medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What are some other side effects of Ulipristal Tablets?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Upset stomach.
- Belly pain.
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Period (menstrual) pain.
- Period (menstrual) changes.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Ulipristal Tablets?
- Store at room temperature.
- Store in the original container to protect from light.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (ulipristal tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Frequently asked questions
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