Ulipristal for Emergency Contraception: Care Instructions
Your Care Instructions
Ulipristal is a pill you take to prevent pregnancy if you had sex without using birth control. You can also
take it if your birth control method didn't work. This can happen if:
To get the pill, you need a doctor's prescription.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all
appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results
and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
How to take the pill
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You can take ulipristal up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
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Be safe with medicines. Follow the directions on the package, or take the pill as your doctor tells you
to.
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Other medicines may affect how this pill works. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. This
includes over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
Don't take this medicine if you are pregnant.
Other concerns
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You may get a headache, an upset stomach, or belly pain after you take this medicine.
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If you need to, take an over-the-counter pain medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label.
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For belly pain, use a hot water bottle or a heating pad set on low.
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You may have light bleeding (spotting) in the week after you take the pill.
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Your next period may start a few days earlier or later than you expect. If your period is more than 7 days
late, or if it is lighter than you expect, get a pregnancy test.
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The pill won't protect you for the rest of your cycle. Use condoms or another barrier method of birth
control until you start your period. If you use a hormone method, such as birth control pills, the vaginal
ring, or the patch, wait 5 days after you take ulipristal before you use them again. When you restart your
hormone method of birth control, also use condoms for the first 14 days.
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The pill won't prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you're worried that you might have been
exposed to an STI, talk to your doctor.
When should you call for help?
Watch closely
for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
Current as of: November 27, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your
healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask
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