Ulipristal

Ulipristal is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse (sex without any method of birth control or with a birth control method that failed or was not used properly [e.g., a condom that slipped or broke or birth control pills that were not taken as scheduled]). Ulipristal should not be used to prevent pregnancy on a regular basis. This medication is to be used as an emergency contraceptive or backup in case regular birth control fails or is used incorrectly. Ulipristal is in a class of medications called progestins. It works by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the ovary. It also may work by changing the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent development of a pregnancy. Ulipristal may prevent pregnancy, but it will not prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Ulipristal comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food as soon as possible after unprotected sexual intercourse or suspected failure of a hormonal contraceptive (such as birth control pills, rings or patches). Ulipristal may be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sexual intercourse, but the sooner it is taken, the more likely that it will prevent pregnancy. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ulipristal exactly as directed.

Ulipristal may be used at any time during the menstrual cycle. However, it should not be used more than once during the same menstrual cycle.

If you vomit less than 3 hours after you take ulipristal, call your doctor. You may need to take another dose of this medication.

Because you can become pregnant right after treatment with ulipristal, you should use a barrier method (condom or diaphragm with spermicide) every time you have sex until your next menstrual period. Using hormonal contraceptives within 5 days of taking ulipristal may make both medications less effective. You may begin or resume using hormonal contraceptives at least 5 days after taking ulipristal, but you must continue to also use a barrier method to prevent pregnancy until after you have your next period. If you took ulipristal because of a problem with your hormonal contraceptive, contact your doctor or follow the instructions provided for that specific birth control product.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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🔔 What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking ulipristal,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ulipristal, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ulipristal tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: certain antifungal medications such as griseofulvin (Gris-PEG), itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), or ketoconazole; barbiturates such as phenobarbital or secobarbital (Seconal); bosentan (Tracleer); certain medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Equetro, Tegretol, Teril, others), felbamate (Felbatol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), and topiramate (Topamax, in Qsymia); and rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater). Many other medications may also interact with ulipristal, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. Ulipristal may not work as well or may be more likely to cause side effects if it is taken with these medications.
• tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take ulipristal. Do not take ulipristal taken to end an existing pregnancy.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical conditions or an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside of the uterus).
• tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• you should know that after you take ulipristal, it is normal for your next menstrual period to begin up to one week earlier or later than expected. If your next menstrual period is delayed for longer than one week after the expected date, call your doctor. You may be pregnant and your doctor will probably tell you to have a pregnancy test.

🔔 What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.