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Compare Ella vs. Plan B One-Step

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Ella (ulipristal)
    Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step)
  • Ella (ulipristal)
    Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step)

  • Summary of Ella vs. Plan B One-Step

    Summary for Emergency contraception
    Prescription only

    Ella (ulipristal) is a prescription emergency contraceptive medication, sometimes called the "morning after pill." It's used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your birth control fails, like a missed pill or broken condom. Ella (ulipristal) works best when you take the tablet as soon as possible, within 5 days after unprotected sex. It isn't regular birth control and won't stop a pregnancy that's already started. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and stomach pain.

    Summary for Emergency contraceptive

    Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) works well to prevent pregnancy up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but it won't stop a pregnancy that has already started and won't protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

  • Indications of Ella vs. Plan B One-Step

    Indications for
    •Emergency contraception
    Indications for
    •Emergency contraception

  • Pros and Cons of Ella vs. Plan B One-Step

    Pros and Const for Emergency contraception
    Pros
    •Single pill that's taken as a one-time dose
    •Works up to 5 days after unprotected sex
    •Most effective emergency contraception pill available
    •Most side effects are mild
    Cons
    •Requires a prescription
    •Won't end a pregnancy that's already started
    •Can interact with some hormonal birth control pills
    •Might not work as well for those with a larger body size
    Pros and Const for Emergency contraceptive
    Pros
    •Works with a single pill
    •Anyone of any age can buy it
    •Has mild and quick-passing side effects for most people
    •Available over-the-counter with affordable generics available
    Cons
    •Can cause breakthrough bleeding or a late period
    •Must be taken within 3 days of unprotected sex to work
    •Won't stop an unwanted pregnancy that's already started
    •Doesn't protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

  • Common Side Effects of Ella vs. Plan B One-Step

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (18%)
    •Nausea (12%)
    •Stomach pain (12%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Next period is heavier than usual (31%)
    •Nausea (14%)
    •Lower stomach pain (13%)
    •Tiredness (13%)
    •Headache (10%)

  • Warnings of Ella vs. Plan B One-Step

    Common Side Effects for
    •Don't take if already pregnant
    •Ectopic pregnancy
    •Not for use regularly
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Fertility after use
    •Irregular period
    •Sexually transmitted infections
    Common Side Effects for
    •Ectopic pregnancy
    •Don't take if already pregnant
    •Sexually transmitted infections

  • Prices with our coupons for Ella vs. Plan B One-Step

    Learn more about Ella
    Learn more about Levonorgestrel

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