Ulipristal Acetate
About Ulipristal Acetate
Ulipristal Acetate is indicated for the prevention of an emergency pregnancy due to unprotected intercourse (sex) or a known or suspected contraceptive failure. Ulipristal Acetate is not intended for routine use as a contraceptive.
Ulipristal Acetate contains ulipristal acetate, which helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It delays or prevents the release of an egg when taken at the appropriate time. This reduces the chance of fertilisation. It provides effective emergency contraceptive support.
Ulipristal Acetate has to be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of sex to prevent pregnancy. You may experience headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), fatigue, and dizziness. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention. However, talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not take Ulipristal Acetate if you're allergic to it or any ingredient present in Ulipristal Acetate. Please seek medical advice before using Ulipristal Acetate if you have severe asthma and severe liver disease. It is not recommended for use in pregnant women. If you are a nursing woman, you should not breastfeed for one week after taking this medication.
Uses of Ulipristal Acetate
Medicinal Benefits
- Helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure.
- Delays or stops the release of an egg, reducing the chance of fertilisation.
- Effective when taken within the recommended time window.
- Provides a reliable option for urgent pregnancy prevention.
Directions for Use
- Ulipristal Acetate can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.
- It is recommended to take once daily within 5 days of unprotected intercourse, or as advised by your doctor.
- Swallow Ulipristal Acetate as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Ulipristal Acetate
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Medicines Containing this Salt
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Drug Warnings
- Do not take Ulipristal Acetate if you're allergic to it or any ingredient in Ulipristal Acetate.
- Please seek medical advice before using Ulipristal Acetate if you have severe asthma and severe liver disease.
- It is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
- If you are a nursing woman, you should not breastfeed for one week after taking this medication.
- Do not use this medication in more than the prescribed doses or for longer than the prescribed duration.
- In some cases, Ulipristal Acetate may cause blurred vision, drowsiness or dizziness; if you experience these symptoms, do not drive or operate machines.
- You should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Ulipristal Acetate.
- Ulipristal Acetate is not suggested for individuals under the age of 18.
- Ulipristal Acetate may make your next period earlier, later or more painful than usual.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as there may be an interaction.
- Pulmonary blood pressure medicine (Bosentan)
• Potential effect: May lower the blood level of Ulipristal Acetate, which can reduce its effectiveness. - Anti-HIV medicines (Nevirapine, Efavirenz)
• Potential effect: May decrease the blood level of Ulipristal Acetate and reduce its therapeutic effect. - Gout medicine (Colchicine)
• Potential effect: Ulipristal Acetate may increase colchicine levels in the blood, raising the risk of side effects. - Antifungal medicine (Griseofulvin)
• Potential effect: May lower the blood level of Ulipristal Acetate and reduce its effectiveness. - Fits medicine (Oxcarbazepine)
• Potential effect: May reduce the blood level of Ulipristal Acetate, leading to decreased effectiveness.
Drug-Food Interactions:
- Grapefruit: Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Ulipristal Acetate.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Ulipristal Acetate, as it may worsen your condition.
- Bleeding problem
- Vaginal bleeding
- Confirmed or suspected pregnancy
- Severe asthma
- Liver or kidney disease
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown whether alcohol interacts with this drug. However, it is advised to avoid alcohol when taking this medicine as a precaution.
Pregnancy
unsafeUlipristal Acetate is not recommended for use during pregnancy or suspected pregnancy. Please reach out to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Breast Feeding
cautionYou shouldn't breastfeed for one week after taking this Ulipristal Acetate. Consult your doctor for further information.
Driving
cautionUlipristal Acetate may cause blurred vision, drowsiness or dizziness; if you experience these symptoms, do not drive or operate machines. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist.
Liver
cautionUlipristal Acetate should be used with caution if you have severe liver disease. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Kidney
cautionLimited studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of kidney disease on the disposition of Ulipristal Acetate. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Children
unsafeUlipristal Acetate is not recommended for children below the age of 18.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Diet:
- Eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
- Include omega-3–rich foods and drinks to support overall health.
- Use low-fat cooking oils like olive, canola, soybean, or coconut oil.
Monitoring:
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly and consult your physician if readings vary widely.
- Take a pregnancy test about one week after using Ulipristal Acetate.
Activity and Stress:
- Avoid heavy physical activity such as jogging for a few days.
- Manage stress and avoid chronic stress to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Habits:
- Quit smoking and avoid alcohol to lower the risk of complications.
Special Advise
- Take Ulipristal Acetate as soon as possible, particularly within 120 hours (5 days) of having unprotected sex or experiencing contraceptive failure.
- Contact your doctor if you suffer significant vaginal bleeding after taking this medication.
- Consult your doctor if your periods are delayed by more than 7/10 days for a pregnancy test.
- If your menstrual cycles are more than 7/10 days late, consult your doctor about getting a pregnancy test.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Unintended pregnancy: It is a condition that occurs either unwanted when desired, or when no children are desired, or when no more children are desired. Also, pregnancy is mistimed, such as occurring earlier than desired. Most unintended pregnancies result from not using contraception or contraceptives consistently or incorrectly.
FAQs
Ulipristal Acetate is indicated for the prevention of an emergency pregnancy due to unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure.
Ulipristal Acetate contains ulipristal acetate, which stops progesterone from working usually. Ulipristal Acetate also works by stopping or delaying the release of an egg. Thereby it helps as an emergency contraceptive.
Ulipristal Acetate (tablet) is not indicated for regular birth control. It is only used as emergency contraception (within 120 hours) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Take another pill as soon as possible if you vomit within 3 hours after taking the Ulipristal Acetate.
For emergency contraception, you can take Ulipristal Acetate at any time of the day, before, during or after a meal. If you take this medication to treat or manage other medical conditions, you can take it as advised by the healthcare professional.
There is no evidence that Ulipristal Acetate has any effect on future fertility.
You can take Ulipristal Acetate at any time in your menstrual cycle.
Ulipristal Acetate may cause side effects like headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, dysmenorrhea, fatigue, and dizziness. If the side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.
A single dose of Ulipristal Acetate may not stop periods. However, it might postpone or delay the period. Talk to the doctor if you have any concerns.
Ulipristal Acetate should be swallowed as a whole with water; do not crush or chew it. For emergency contraception, Ulipristal Acetate has to be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of sex to prevent pregnancy.
You may need to continue with a regular birth control method to prevent pregnancy. However, consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
Take Ulipristal Acetate as soon as possible, particularly within 120 hours (5 days) of having unprotected sex or experiencing contraceptive failure. Contact your doctor if you suffer significant vaginal bleeding after taking this medication. Consult your doctor if your periods are delayed by more than 7/10 days for a pregnancy test.
