Ulipristal
Molecule Description
Ulipristal Acetate is an emergency contraceptive medicine. It is used to preven
t pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse (i.e. without using any other birth control measures) or after a regular birth control method has failed.
Uses of Ulipristal
To avoid unwanted pregnancy after sexual intercourse where other contraceptive measures have not been used or if they have failed (e.g., rupture of a condom).
Contraindications of Ulipristal
When should one not use Ulipristal
- An existing pregnancy
- Allergic to Ulipristal Acetate
Side effects of Ulipristal
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Allergic reaction like fever, chills, rash, hives, running/ stuffy nose, sneezing, breathing difficulty or swelling over your face, lips and throat
- Weakness or dizziness
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Menstrual pain
Precautions and Warnings of Ulipristal
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Ulipristal during pregnancy?
A:
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy before taking this medicine. Ulipristal Acetate can be harmful to unborn babies. It should not be used during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Ulipristal while breastfeeding?
A:
There is no evidence to prove the safety of this drug during breastfeeding. Hence it would be best if you did not breastfeed while on this treatment.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Ulipristal?
A:
If you experience (women) dizziness, drowsiness or eye problems after taking this medicine, you should avoid driving.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Ulipristal?
A:
No known interaction with alcohol, consult with a doctor.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- Liver disease
- Asthma
- Irregular menstrual periods
Mode of Action of Ulipristal
How Does It Work?
Ulipristal Acetate works by inhibiting or delaying the release of the egg from the ovary. It also prevents the fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. It is not to be used as a regular contraceptive measure. It cannot be used like a daily, weekly or monthly birth control measure. It is for emergency conditions only....
Interactions of Ulipristal
Interactions with other medicines
- Rifampicin
- Griseofulvin
- Bosentan
- Topiramate
- Anticonvulsant medicines - Phenytoin and Carbamazepine
- Barbiturates - Butabarbital, Phenobarbital
Interactions with food items
It has interactions with grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
Dietary Restrictions of Ulipristal
No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking Ulipristal Acetate, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.
Dosage of Ulipristal
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may be nausea, stomach pain, headache, fatigue, dizziness, and menstrual pain. Call your doctor immediately if you overdose.
Missed a Dose
It has no dosing regimen because it is used only when needed.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Arpit Verma
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should be discussed with my healthcare expert before I start the medication of Ulipristal Acetate?
A: You must inform your doctor if you had your last menstrual cycle more than four weeks ago. If you have a history of tubal (ectopic) pregnancy. If you have an allergy to Ulipristal Acetate. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, supplements or herbs.
Q: What should I avoid while taking Ulipristal Acetate?
A: Make sure you use a condom to protect yourself from contracting sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/ AIDS since Ulipristal Acetate does not protect one from these infections.
Q: When and how to consume the medicine?
- You must take medicine exactly the way it is prescribed by the physician
- Follow the instructions mentioned on the prescription label
- The Ulipristal Acetate tablet can be taken with or without food
- It must be taken within five days (120 hours) of sexual intercourse, during any time of your cycle
- If you vomit within 3 hours of taking medicine, inform your doctor and let him/ her to advise you regarding a repeat dose
- Ulipristal Acetate decreases the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives like contraceptive pills, vaginal rings, skin patches, injections, implants. Hence use a barrier form of birth control method (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) till you next menstrual period...
Q: Will this drug affect my future fertility?
A: No. This drug won’t affect your future fertility.
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