1. How soon should I take EllaOne?
Take it as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after, but it works best when taken sooner.
What is EllaOne Emergency Contraception?
EllaOne is an emergency contraception tablet, often called the morning-after pill. It contains ulipristal acetate and is used to help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your usual contraception has failed. It should be taken as soon as possible, and can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. EllaOne works by delaying or preventing ovulation. It does not end an existing pregnancy and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
It may be used:
- After unprotected sex
- If a condom split or slipped off
- If you missed your regular contraception
- If your usual contraceptive method failed
Active ingredient: Ulipristal acetate 30mg
Who is EllaOne suitable for?
EllaOne is suitable for women of child-bearing age, including adolescents, who need emergency contraception after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It can be taken at any time in the menstrual cycle, as long as you are not already pregnant.
Do not use and seek advice first if:
- You think you may already be pregnant
- You are allergic to ulipristal acetate or any of the ingredients
- You have severe asthma treated with oral steroids
- You have taken certain medicines in the last 4 weeks that may make EllaOne less effective, such as some epilepsy medicines, rifampicin, some HIV medicines, or St John’s wort
How to take EllaOne Emergency Contraception
You should always take EllaOne exactly as advised by your pharmacist.
Typical use for women of child-bearing age:
- Take 1 tablet by mouth as soon as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure
- It must be taken within 120 hours (5 days)
- Swallow the tablet whole with water
- It can be taken with or without food
- Take it without delay, as it works better the sooner it is taken
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the tablet, you may need to take another tablet. After taking EllaOne, use condoms until your next period, as it will not protect you from any further unprotected sex in the same cycle.
How to store EllaOne Emergency Contraception
- Store in the original packaging
- Keep below 25 degrees
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children
Some people may experience side effects after taking EllaOne.
Possible side effects include:
- Feeling sick
- Lower abdominal pain
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- Changes to your next period, which may come earlier or later than usual
Seek medical advice if your period is more than 7 days late, is unusually light or heavy, or if you develop symptoms that may suggest pregnancy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
2. What if I am sick after taking EllaOne?
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the tablet, you may need to take another tablet. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible.
3. Will EllaOne affect my next period?
Your next period may come a little earlier or later than usual. If it is more than 7 days late, or is unusually light or heavy, take a pregnancy test and seek medical advice.
4. Can I use EllaOne as regular contraception?
No. EllaOne is for emergency use only and should not be used as a regular method of contraception.
5. Does EllaOne protect me if I have sex again later in the same cycle?
No. If you have unprotected sex again after taking EllaOne, it will not prevent pregnancy from that later sex. Use condoms until your next period.
Our Clinical Authors
This page has been written by a registered UK pharmacist and reviewed by our clinical team to ensure it is accurate, clear and reflects current clinical guidance.
Last medically reviewed: 07 July 2026
Last updated: 07 July 2026