7 Ella Side Effects You Should Know About

Ella (ulipristal) is a single-dose emergency contraceptive pill (“morning-after pill”). It can be taken shortly after having unprotected sex or if a regular birth control method fails (like if a condom breaks). Ella works by stopping or delaying ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). It may also prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus (implantation).

Ella can lower your chances of pregnancy by up to 98% if taken within 5 days of sex. Some emergency contraceptives, like Plan B (levonorgestrel), are available over the counter (OTC). But you need a prescription from a healthcare provider to purchase ella.

There is a lot of misinformation about side effects when it comes to emergency contraception. So it’s important to have accurate information about ella side effects. This way, you can be confident in your reproductive health choices. Keep in mind that ella is well tolerated, and most people have little to no side effects at all.

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Ella side effects at a glance

All medications have the potential to cause side effects. And ella is no exception. It’s important to know which side effects are considered normal and which should be checked by a healthcare provider. Be aware that ella side effects are typically mild and go away on their own.

Common ella side effects include:

• Late period the next time

• Early period the next time

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Menstrual cramps

• Stomach pain

• Breakthrough bleeding

• Dizziness

• Tiredness

There are no reported serious side effects of ella. But everyone reacts differently to the medication. So it’s important to talk to your provider or pharmacist if you have any symptoms that seem unusual.

Below, we’ll discuss seven ella side effects to be aware of when deciding whether or not to take the medication.

1. Early or late period the next time

It’s important to know that your period may be either early or late by a few days after taking ella. A late period is more common, and it can be concerning. But this happens because of the way ella works.

Usually, there’s about 14 days between when you ovulate and when you get your period. Because ella can delay ovulation by a few days, that 14-day countdown will also start later. Typically, periods should be no more than 1 week late after taking ella.

If your period is more than 1 week later than expected, it could mean that you’re pregnant. You should take an at-home pregnancy test if this happens. And if you get a positive result, contact your healthcare provider.

2. Headaches

Headaches are also a common ella side effect. These headaches are generally mild and should go away on their own. Resting and staying hydrated can help relieve headaches related to ella. You could also take an OTC headache medication, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen). Either of these pain relievers are safe to take with ella.

3. Nausea

Nausea is also a common ella side effect. Fortunately, this is usually short-lived. Taking ella with a small meal or snack may help lessen or prevent this side effect. If you’ve already taken ella, avoiding spicy or greasy foods can help prevent nausea from getting worse. There’s also OTC nausea medications you can ask your pharmacist about.

If you vomit within 3 hours of taking ella, you should contact your healthcare provider. You may need to take another dose of the medication.

4. Menstrual cramps or stomach pain

Ella can cause cramps that feel similar to period cramps. Stomach pain is also common. These side effects are generally not severe. And they should resolve on their own.

To relieve cramps and stomach pain, try placing a heating pad on your stomach. If you’re able to, exercising can also help. OTC menstrual cramp relief products are another option for managing these side effects.

If your cramping or pain is severe or lasts longer than 2 days, seek medical advice from your healthcare provider. This isn’t typical with ella, and there could be another cause.

5. Breakthrough bleeding

Some women reported spotting, or breakthrough bleeding, after taking ella. Breakthrough bleeding is a common side effect with any type of hormonal birth control, including emergency contraceptive pills. This typically resolves during the menstrual cycle after taking ella. But you may want to have panty liners on hand or switch to darker-colored underwear until your next period.

Breakthrough bleeding isn’t usually a reason to worry, unless it’s severe. For example, bleeding through a tampon or maxi pad within 1 hour would be considered severe. If you’re concerned about unexpected bleeding, contact your healthcare provider.

6. Dizziness

It’s possible to experience dizziness after taking Ella. This is less common than other ella side effects mentioned above. And it should go away by itself soon after taking the medication.

While dizziness on its own isn’t usually dangerous, it can cause you to fall and harm yourself. Be sure to sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. It’s also important to be careful when standing up. Drinking some extra water may help relieve dizziness, as well.

Contact your healthcare provider if your dizziness feels severe or doesn’t go away. There are many reasons why you may feel dizzy. Your provider may want to evaluate you for other causes.

7. Tiredness

Some people may also feel more tired than usual after taking Ella. This typically isn’t a reason to worry and should get better on its own. Take time to rest if you feel tired. But if the tiredness seems persistent or gets worse, let your healthcare provider know.

When should I contact my healthcare provider about ella side effects?

Most ella side effects are mild and go away fairly quickly. But if you have severe lower stomach pain about 3 to 5 weeks after taking ella, contact your healthcare provider. This can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy.

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that happens outside of the uterus (womb). This is a rare but serious condition that needs medical attention right away.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Sarah Morin, RPh

Sarah Morin, RPh, has been a registered pharmacist for over 25 years. She started out as a hospital pharmacist, working at Rhode Island Hospital and then at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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