Ella vs. Plan B One-Step for Emergency Contraceptive: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Ella

(ulipristal)

Levonorgestrel

(Plan B One-Step)

Summary for Ella

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.

Indications for Ella

Emergency contraception

Pros and Cons for Ella

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

Common Side Effects for Ella

Headache (18%)
Nausea (12%)
Stomach pain (12%)

Warnings for Ella

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

Summary for Plan B One-Step

Over-the-counter

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 for Plan B One-Step

Emergency contraception

Pros and Cons for Plan B One-Step

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 for Plan B One-Step

Next period is heavier than usual (31%)
Nausea (14%)
Lower stomach pain (13%)
Tiredness (13%)
Headache (10%)

Warnings for Plan B One-Step

Ectopic pregnancy
Don't take if already pregnant
Sexually transmitted infections

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

Ella1 tablet / 30mg

$44.23$49.55

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Levonorgestrel1 tablet / 1.5mg

$15.22$27.75

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Ella vs. Plan B One-Step

Ella

Levonorgestrel

Summary for Ella

Indications for Ella

Pros and Cons for Ella

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ella

Warnings for Ella

Summary for Plan B One-Step

Indications for Plan B One-Step

Pros and Cons for Plan B One-Step

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Plan B One-Step

Warnings for Plan B One-Step

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

Browse medications by letter

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Ella

Levonorgestrel

Summary for Ella

Indications for Ella

Pros and Cons for Ella

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ella

Warnings for Ella

Summary for Plan B One-Step

Indications for Plan B One-Step

Pros and Cons for Plan B One-Step

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Plan B One-Step

Warnings for Plan B One-Step