What is the difference between ella® and Plan-B®?
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking
ella®?
When is it not appropriate to use ella®?
What if I am already pregnant and use ella®?
What are the possible side effects of ella®?
What are the ingredients in ella®?
What is ella®?
ella® is an emergency contraceptive that reduces your chance of becoming pregnant in the event of birth control failure or unprotected sex. ella® is not intended for use as your regular birth control. It is very important that you have a reliable form of regular preventative birth control that is right for you. ella® will not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
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How does ella® work?
ella® is thought to work primarily by postponing the release of an egg from the ovary. ella® may also work by preventing attachment (implantation) of the egg to the uterine wall.
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What is the difference between ella® and Plan-B®?
The primary difference between ella® and Plan-B® is the amount of time you have after contraception failure or unprotected sex to obtain and take the medication. ella® is effective up to 120 hours (5 days) after intercourse. Plan-B® is only effective for 72 hours (3 days) after intercourse.
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How effective is ella®?
When ella® is taken as directed, it can reduce the chance that you will get
pregnant after unprotected intercourse or contraception failure. ella® is not
effective in every case. ella® is only intended for use after a single episode
of unprotected intercourse. Be sure to use a regular preventative method of
birth control the next time you have intercourse.
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Who should not take ella®?
You should not take ella® if you know or suspect you are already pregnant. ella® is not for use to end an existing pregnancy. Talk to your physician and/or pharmacist before taking ella® if you think you may be pregnant.
Do not take ella® if you are breastfeeding, it is not known if ella® is excreted into breast milk.
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What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ella®?
Tell your physician about any medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines (OTC), vitamins, and herbal supplements. Using other medications may affect how ella® works. These may include but are not limited to, St. John's Wort, phenytoin, rifampin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine,
ketoconazole.
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How should I take ella®?
Take ella® as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse or contraception failure. ella® can be taken up to 5 days (120 hrs) from when the unprotected sex or contraceptive failure occurred. ella® can be taken with or without food.
Contact your physician and/or pharmacist immediately if you vomit within 3 hours of taking ella®. Another dose of ella® may be prescribed for you.
ella® can be taken at any time during the menstrual cycle.
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When is it not appropriate to use ella®?
ella® is not intended for use as a regular birth control method. It does not work as well as most other forms of birth control when they are used properly.
Do not use ella® if you are already or suspect that you may be pregnant.
Do not use ella® more than one time in the same menstrual cycle for different acts of unprotected intercourse or contraception failure.
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What if I am already pregnant and use ella®?
ella® should not be taken if you are already or believe you may be pregnant. There is little data on whether or not ella® would harm a developing baby. Contact your physician and/or pharmacist if you think you may be pregnant and have taken ella®. ella® is not intended for use to terminate an existing pregnancy.
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What should I do if my menstrual period is delayed beyond 1 week or I have severe lower stomach (abdominal) pain?
After taking ella®, your next menstrual period may begin a few days earlier or later than expected. If your next cycle is more than 7 days later than expected, you may be pregnant. You should get a pregnancy test and follow up with your healthcare provider. If you have severe lower stomach (abdominal) pain 3 to 5 weeks after taking ella®, you may have a pregnancy outside of the uterus (womb), which is called an ectopic or tubal pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that needs urgent medical treatment. Call your local physician or hospital or go to the nearest emergency room if you think you may have an ectopic pregnancy.
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How often can I use ella®?
ella® is meant for emergency contraception only, and is not to be used repeatedly or as a regular form of birth control. If you need to use emergency contraception often, talk to your physician about your birth control options and ways to protect yourself from sexually transmitted disease.
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What are the possible side effects of ella®?
The most common side effects of ella® include (but are not limited to):
headache, nausea, stomach (abdominal) pain, menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), tiredness, dizziness
Some women taking ella® may experience their next period earlier or later than expected. If your next period is more than a week late, you should get a pregnancy test. Tell your physician and/or pharmacist if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Contact your physician or pharmacist for any questions regarding side effects you may be experiencing or any questions you may have.
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How should I store ella®?
Store ella® at room temperature, 68-77°F (20-25°C). Protect ella® from light. Keep ella® in the original box until you are ready to take it. Do not use ella® if the package is torn or broken. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
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What are the ingredients in ella®?
Active ingredients: ulipristal acetate, 30 mg
Inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, povidone, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate
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What should I do if I have additional questions about ella®?
If you have additional questions about ella® please contact ella-KwikMed by phone or email to speak with a physician or pharmacist.
Toll-Free: 877-594-5633
Email: service@kwikmed.com
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