Sam asked
Is Ella the morning after pill available OTC or prescription only?
Answer
Ella (Ulipristal) is a prescription only emergency contraceptive tablet. Ella is indicated for use in preventing pregnancy in the following situations:
- Unprotected intercourse
- Known or suspected contraception failure
Ella can be given for up to 5 days (120 hours) after intercourse. Ella can be taken with or without food but if vomiting occurs during the first 3 hours after taking Ella a second dose should be considered. You should not use Ella more than 1 time per menstrual cycle or to terminate an existing pregnancy.
Common side effects associated with Ella include:
- Abdominal cramps and or pain
- Headache
- Menstrual irregularity
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Breakthrough bleeding
Although Ella is available only through obtaining a prescription there is an over the counter option for emergency contraception. Levonorgestrel more commonly know as Plan B is available under a variety of branded generic names without a prescription. There are two different dosing options associated with levonorgestrel:
Levonorgestrel 1.5mg (Plan B One-Step or equivalent)
- Approved over the counter for all potentially childbearing females
- One tablet taken as soon as possible after intercourse (no later than 72 hours after)
- Consider repeating dose if vomiting occurs within 2 hours of dose
Levonorgestrel 750mcg (Plan B or equivalent)
- Approved for ages 17 and older without a prescription
- First dose as soon as possible after intercourse but no later than 72 hours
- If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of first dose you will need to repeat the initial dose
- Second dose 12 hours after the first dose
Both of these dosing options are considered equally as effective.
Common side effects of Levonorgestrel include:
- Headache
- Abdominal pain and or cramping
- Dysmenorrhea
- Dizziness
- Menstrual irregularity
- Migraine
- Fatigue
- Vaginal discharge
- Nausea
- Ovarian enlargment
- Uterine contractions
Ella or Levonorgestrel both provide documented effectiveness in helping to prevent pregnancy after unprotected or suspected unprotected sex. Considering which option may be best for you comes down to many factors which include:
- The ability or inability to see a doctor to obtain a prescription
- Time passed since unprotected sex
- Cost of the medication
- Age of buyer
- Side effect profile of the medication
