Sometimes we may have unprotected sex unexpectedly. Or the birth control method you are using may fail. In such a situation, one way to prevent pregnancy is to take emergency contraceptive pills. Today we are talking about one such pill, a medicine called Ulipristal. It is very important to remember that this is for emergency use only.
What kind of medicine is Ulipristal?
Simply put, Ulipristal is an emergency contraceptive pill that can prevent pregnancy. It is usually taken within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex . It can also be used if you think your birth control method is not working properly, for example, if a condom breaks, or if you forget to take your daily birth control pill.
The most important thing is that this is not a daily birth control method . It is for emergency use only. Also, it does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What should I tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
Before you take this medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to mention these points in particular.
| Situation to be reported | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have liver disease | The way this medicine affects people with liver disease may be different. |
| If you have allergies to Ulipristal or other medicines or foods | This is essential to prevent a serious allergic reaction. |
| If you are already pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This medicine should not be used if you are already pregnant. If you suspect you are pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking this. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | You should consult your doctor about breastfeeding after taking this medicine. |
How should I use this pill?
The way to use this is very simple.
- This pill can be taken with a glass of water before or after meals.
- It is best to take it as soon as possible after the unsafe event. However, it should be taken within 5 days (120 hours).
- You can take this pill on any day of your monthly menstrual cycle.
- Important: If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the pill, call your doctor immediately to see if you need to take another pill.
- Overdose: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
Some medications can interact with Ulipristal and make it less effective. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including those prescribed by your doctor, those you buy from the pharmacy, herbal products (e.g. St. John's Wort), and even vitamins.
Some medications that may interact with this medicine are:
- Some medications for seizures (e.g. Phenobarbital, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Topiramate)
- Some medications for HIV/AIDS or hepatitis
- Some medications for fungal infections (e.g. Griseofulvin, Ketoconazole)
- Birth control pills taken daily
- Rifampin (a medicine for tuberculosis)
- Bosentan
- St. John's Wort herbal product
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Things to keep in mind when taking this medicine
There are several important things you should pay attention to when taking this medicine.
About your monthly period
After taking this pill, your period may be a few days earlier or later than usual. This is normal. However, if your period is more than 7 days late , you may be pregnant. In such a case, see a doctor as soon as possible and take a pregnancy test.
What if I get a stomachache? - This is very important!
If you experience severe stomach cramps between 3 and 5 weeks after taking this medicine, don't ignore it. In some rare cases, this could be a sign of a pregnancy outside the uterus, such as in the fallopian tubes. In medical terms, we call this an Ectopic or Tubal Pregnancy .
This is an emergency. If you have severe stomach pain like this, see a doctor immediately, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Birth control and STDs
As we mentioned earlier, this is not a daily birth control method. It is very important to use a barrier method of birth control, such as a condom, after taking this pill until your next period. This is because the effectiveness of your daily birth control pills may temporarily decrease after taking Ulipristal. It is also important to remember that this pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Headache | Common headache. |
| Dizziness | Dizziness . |
| Nausea/stomach pain | Nausea and abdominal discomfort. |
| Fatigue | Feeling tired in the body. |
| Changes in monthly menstruation | Severe pain during menstruation, irregular bleeding (spotting). |
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children, at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius), protected from light.
Take-Home Message
- Ulipristal is an emergency contraceptive pill, not one for daily use.
- It should be taken within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the better the results.
- This does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Use a condom.
- If your period is more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test immediately.
- If you experience severe stomach cramps within 3-5 weeks of taking the pill, it could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. It is an emergency, so go to an ETU immediately.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking.
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