Uses
Ulipristal is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse (sex without any method of birth control or with a birth control method that failed or was not used properly [e.g., a condom that slipped or broke or birth control pills that were not taken as scheduled]). Ulipristal should not be used to prevent pregnancy on a regular basis. This medication is to be used as an emergency contraceptive or backup in case regular birth control fails or is used incorrectly. Ulipristal is in a class of medications called progestins. It works by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary. It also may work by changing the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent development of a pregnancy. Ulipristal may prevent pregnancy, but it will not prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Side Effects Of Ulipristal
Ulipristal may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- painful menstrual periods
- spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
- nausea
- tiredness
- headache
- dizziness
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience the following symptom, call your doctor immediately:
- severe lower abdominal pain (3 to 5 weeks after taking ulipristal)
Ulipristal may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems after you take this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking ulipristal:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ulipristal, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ulipristal tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: certain antifungal medications such as griseofulvin (Gris-PEG), itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), or ketoconazole; barbiturates such as phenobarbital or secobarbital (Seconal); bosentan (Tracleer); certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Equetro, Tegretol, Teril, others), felbamate (Felbatol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), and topiramate (Topamax, in Qsymia); and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater). Many other medications may also interact with ulipristal, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. Ulipristal may not work as well or maybe more likely to cause side effects if it is taken with these medications.
- tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take ulipristal. Do not take ulipristal taken to end an existing pregnancy.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical conditions or an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside of the uterus).
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
- you should know that after you take ulipristal, it is normal for your next menstrual period to begin up to one week earlier or later than expected. If your next menstrual period is delayed for longer than one week after the expected date, call your doctor. You may be pregnant and your doctor will probably tell you to have a pregnancy test.
Ulipristal Dosage
Ulipristal comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse. Ulipristal may be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sexual intercourse, but the sooner it is taken, the more likely that it will prevent pregnancy. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ulipristal exactly as directed.
Ulipristal may be used at any time during the menstrual cycle. However, it should not be used more than once during the same menstrual cycle.
If you vomit less than 3 hours after you take ulipristal, call your doctor. You may need to take another dose of this medication.
Because you can become pregnant right after treatment with ulipristal, you should use a barrier method (condom or diaphragm with spermicide) every time you have sex during the same menstrual cycle as you took ulipristal. Using hormonal contraceptives (such as birth control pills, rings, or patches) within 5 days of taking ulipristal may make both medications less effective. You may begin or resume using hormonal contraceptives at least 5 days after taking ulipristal, but you must continue to also use a barrier method to prevent pregnancy until after you have your next period.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about ulipristal.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
