Safety information · Internal patient-safety page
Ulipristal acetate safety summary
Ulipristal acetate is an emergency-contraception pill that can delay ovulation even when it is about to happen, and stays effective for up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. As with all emergency contraception, sooner is still better.
What it's used for
- One 30 mg tablet, taken as soon as possible, with or without food.
- Can be taken at any point in the menstrual cycle.
- If you vomit within 3 hours of taking it, take another tablet.
- It is a backup, not a regular contraceptive, and does not protect for the rest of the cycle.
Most common side effects
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Abdominal pain or period-type cramps.
- Tiredness, dizziness or mood changes.
- Breast tenderness.
- Your next period may start a few days later than expected; spotting beforehand is common.
Serious side effects: stop and seek care
- Sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, especially with a positive pregnancy test after use, can signal an ectopic pregnancy and needs urgent assessment.
- Severe allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing.
Who should not take it
- Known or suspected pregnancy.
- Allergy to ulipristal acetate or any tablet ingredient.
- Severe asthma treated with oral corticosteroids: not recommended.
- Severe liver disease.
- If breastfeeding: express and discard milk for one week after taking it.
Interactions to flag
- Enzyme inducers such as rifampicin, some antiepileptics (carbamazepine, phenytoin), St John's wort and some HIV medicines can make it fail; tell your doctor.
- Medicines that reduce stomach acid (omeprazole and other PPIs, antacids) may reduce absorption.
- Ulipristal makes regular hormonal contraception less reliable for the rest of the cycle: restart or continue your method, but use condoms until your next period.
- Do not combine with levonorgestrel emergency contraception in the same cycle. They work against each other.
Message us in the app chat if you notice any of these
- Your period is more than 7 days late, unusually light or unusually heavy: take a pregnancy test.
- Sudden severe lower abdominal pain: seek urgent care first.
- You vomited within 3 hours of the tablet.
- You are unsure how to restart your regular contraception.
AEMPS CIMA: Ulipristal 30 mg
Back to your consultationThis page summarises information from the regulator-approved leaflet for reference only. It is not medical advice and does not replace the assessment of an EU-licensed doctor. Your doctor will review your individual history, dose and interactions during your consultation.