Ulipristal is used by women to prevent pregnancy after
birth control failure (such as a broken condom) or unprotected sex. This
medication is an emergency contraceptive and should not be used as a
regular form of birth control.
Using this medication will not stop an existing
pregnancy or protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted
diseases (such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia).
This medication may not work well in women who are
overweight (for example, body mass index greater than 30) or if you are
using certain other medications. This effect can result in pregnancy. Talk
to your doctor for more details and to see if this medication is right for
you (see also Drug Interactions section).
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking ulipristal. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take 1 tablet by mouth with or without food as directed
by your doctor as soon as possible after unprotected sex. This medication
works best when it is taken within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected
sex.
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking this medication,
contact your doctor to ask if you need to repeat the dose.
After you take this medication, the time when your
period comes and how much you bleed may change. Tell your doctor right away
if your period is more than 7 days late. You may need to take a pregnancy
test.
After using this medication, you should use a
barrier-type birth control (such as condoms, diaphragm) every time you have
sex until you have your period. If you use or wish to use hormonal birth
control, wait at least 5 days after using this medication before starting
hormonal birth control (since these medications may interact and make both
drugs work less well). After starting hormonal birth control, continue to
use a barrier-type birth control every time you have sex until you have
your period. If needed, talk to your doctor about reliable forms of birth
control.
Headache, nausea, abdominal pain, tiredness, dizziness,
or painful menstrual periods may occur. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- severe lower stomach pain (especially 3 to 5 weeks after
taking ulipristal)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking ulipristal, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to progestins (such as levonorgestrel,
norethindrone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may
contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other
problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If
you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right
away.
This drug passes into breast milk. Because of the
possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using
this drug. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some drugs may cause emergency birth control to work
less well. This effect can result in pregnancy. Examples include
griseofulvin, modafinil, rifamycins (such as rifampin, rifabutin), St.
John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as barbiturates,
carbamazepine, felbamate, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate), HIV drugs
(such as nelfinavir, nevirapine), among others.
Overdose with this medication is very unlikely. However,
if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or
trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right
away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.