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Ella Coupon - Ella 30mg tablet

Ella

ulipristal
Used for Emergency Contraceptive
Used for Emergency Contraceptive

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 15, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Ella (ulipristal)?

What is Ella (ulipristal) used for?

How Ella (ulipristal) works

Ella (ulipristal) is a progestin agonist / antagonist. This means it can both block and act like the natural hormone progesterone in your body. The medication mainly works by delaying or preventing ovulation, which keeps an egg from being released so fertilization doesn’t happen. It might also thin the lining of the uterus, making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant.

Are you looking for information on Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsElla
Drug ClassEmergency contraception
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Ella (ulipristal) essentials

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Ella vs. Plan B for Emergency Contraception

Written by Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP
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$42.84
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What are the side effects of Ella (ulipristal)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

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

Other Side Effects

  • Menstrual cramps
  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Ectopic pregnancy: severe, unexplainable pelvic pain along with unusual vaginal bleeding

Source: DailyMed

More on Ella (ulipristal) side effects

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7 Ella Side Effects You Should Know About

Written by Sarah Morin, RPh

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Cramps

heavy bleeding

pain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Abdominal or stomach pain

headache

nausea

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Dizziness

Incidence not known

Blemishes on the skin

pimples

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Ella (ulipristal)

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Ella (ulipristal)

pharmacist

  • You can take Ella (ulipristal) with or without food at any time.

    • You must take Ella (ulipristal) within 5 days after unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the better it works to prevent pregnancy.

      • If you vomit within 3 hours of taking Ella (ulipristal), call your prescriber right away. You might need to take another dose for it to work.

        • Don't take Ella (ulipristal) more than once during the same menstrual cycle. It isn’t known if taking it more often is safe.

          • After taking Ella (ulipristal), use a reliable barrier method like condoms until your next period. This will help continue to prevent pregnancy.

            • Don’t take hormonal birth control within 5 days of taking Ella (ulipristal). Doing so can make the medication work less well.

              • After Ella (ulipristal), your next period might come a few days early or late. If it’s more than 7 days late, take a home pregnancy test to check if you're pregnant.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Ella (ulipristal)

                How long does Ella (ulipristal) stay in your system?
                Ella (ulipristal) can stay in your system for about a week after you take it. This estimate is based on its half-life, which measures how long it takes for your body to clear the medication.
                Where do you buy Ella (ulipristal)?
                You can get Ella (ulipristal) from a pharmacy, but you need a prescription from a healthcare professional. Ask your OB-GYN provider or primary care provider if they can give you a prescription ahead of time so you can keep Ella (ulipristal) at home and use it when you need it. Some clinics and telehealth services, like GoodRx Care, can also prescribe it.
                Does Ella (ulipristal) work during ovulation?
                Ella (ulipristal) works best if you take it before ovulation, since it delays or blocks the release of an egg. If you’ve already ovulated, the medication won't work. Because it’s hard to know exactly when ovulation happens, the sooner you take Ella (ulipristal) after unprotected sex, the more likely it is to prevent pregnancy.
                Is Ella (ulipristal) a contraceptive pill?
                Ella (ulipristal) is an emergency contraceptive pill, not a regular type of birth control. You shouldn't use it as your main way to prevent pregnancy. Instead, Ella (ulipristal) is a good option if you miss a dose of your daily pill or if a condom breaks.
                What's the difference between Ella (ulipristal) and Plan B?
                Both Ella (ulipristal) and Plan B (levonorgestrel) are both emergency contraceptives, but Ella (ulipristal) actually works better at preventing pregnancy. You can take Ella (ulipristal) up to 5 days after unprotected sex, while Plan B should be taken within 3 days to work best. The side effects are similar, but unlike Plan B, Ella (ulipristal) isn't available over the counter. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have questions comparing the two medications.
                How well does Ella (ulipristal) work?
                When you use Ella (ulipristal) correctly, it works very well to prevent pregnancy. Studies show that it's about 98% effective when taken within 5 days after unprotected sex.
                When do you start birth control after Ella (ulipristal)?
                After you take Ella (ulipristal), wait at least 5 days before starting or restarting hormonal birth control. And continue to use a barrier method of protection, such as condoms, every time you have sex until your next period.
                How long does it take Ella (ulipristal) to kick in?
                Ella (ulipristal) starts working right away after you take it. It delays or blocks ovulation, so the sooner you take it after unprotected sex, the better it works.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Ella (ulipristal)?

                Ella (ulipristal) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Don't take if already pregnant

                Ella (ulipristal) only works to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It won't work if you're already pregnant. If you are considering ending a pregnancy, talk with your OB-GYN provider since Ella (ulipristal) isn't a safe or effective option for that.

                risk-warning

                Ectopic pregnancy

                An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg grows outside your uterus. This can be life-threatening and sometimes need to be treated with surgery. Ella (ulipristal) doesn't cause an ectopic pregnancy, but it's still possible to have one after taking it. If you experience unexplained or severe pelvic pain along with unusual vaginal bleeding after taking Ella (ulipristal), let your OB-GYN provider know.

                risk-warning

                Not for use regularly

                It isn't known if Ella (ulipristal) is safe to take more than once in the same menstrual cycle. Don't use it as your regular birth control. If you need birth control, your OB-GYN provider can help you pick one that works best for you. After taking Ella (ulipristal), make sure to use a barrier method like condoms your next period.

                risk-warning

                Interactions with other medications

                Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications you take. Some medications like rifampin, can interact with Ella (ulipristal) and make it not work as well. This can raise your risk of pregnancy.

                risk-warning

                Fertility after use

                After you take Ella (ulipristal), you can get pregnant again once the medication wears off after a few days. To be safe, use a reliable barrier method like condoms until your next period. If you want to start hormonal birth control, wait at least 5 days after taking Ella (ulipristal), and keep using condoms until your next period.

                risk-warning

                Irregular period

                After you take Ella (ulipristal), your period might come a few days earlier or later than usual. In studies, periods were delayed by about 2.5 days on average but went back to normal the next month. If your period is late by more than a week, take a home pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.

                risk-warning

                Sexually transmitted infections

                Ella (ulipristal) doesn't protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You’ll still need to use condoms or other barrier methods to lower your risk of getting or spreading an STI.

                dosage

                Ella (ulipristal) dosage forms

                The average cost for 1 tablet of 30mg of Ella (ulipristal) is $42.84 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 20.36% off the average retail price of $53.79.
                tablet
                Tablet
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                30mg1 tablet$42.84$42.84

                Typical dosing for Ella (ulipristal)

                The typical dose is to take 30 mg (one tablet) by mouth as soon as possible within 5 days of unprotected sex.

                More on Ella (ulipristal) dosage forms

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                Ella and Plan B Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

                Written by Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP
                interactions

                Interactions between Ella (ulipristal) and other drugs

                Ella (ulipristal) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Ella (ulipristal). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                More on Ella (ulipristal) interactions

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                6 Ella Interactions You Should Consider

                Written by Sarah Morin, RPh

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                drug-cost

                How much does Ella (ulipristal) cost?

                To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
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                contraindications-icon

                Ella (ulipristal) contraindications

                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Ella (ulipristal) will not be safe for you to take.

                • Use while already pregnant

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Ella (ulipristal)?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ella (ulipristal). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Ella (ulipristal)
                Used for:
                $42.84 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step)
                Used for:

                • Emergency contraception

                $12.27 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                latest news

                What is the latest news about Ella (ulipristal)?

                Read on for an emergency contraception guide on how to take Plan B and ella, recommended dosages, and important facts for timely and effective use.

                Ella and Plan B Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

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                Certain medications and supplements may lower the efficacy of ella, the morning after contraception pill. Here are six ulipristal interactions to know about.

                6 Ella Interactions You Should Consider

                Certain medications and supplements may lower the efficacy of ella, the morning after contraception pill. Here are six ulipristal interactions to know about.
                Ella emergency contraception may cause changes to your next period, nausea, and cramps. Here’s what other side effects may occur and when to see a provider.

                7 Ella Side Effects You Should Know About

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                Even when used properly, condoms can still break during sex. Here’s how you can tell if a condom broke and what steps you should take to protect yourself.

                What to Do If You Notice Your Condom Broke During Sex

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                Ella vs. Plan B for Emergency Contraception

                Emergency contraception pills can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Which morning after pill should you take? Compare effects of Plan B and Ella.
                Plan B, also known as the morning after pill, is an emergency contraceptive that can be taken after having unprotected sex to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Let’s look at how much the Plan B pill costs, where to get it, how effective it is, and more.

                How Much is Plan B? Plan B Pill Costs and More

                Plan B, also known as the morning after pill, is an emergency contraceptive that can be taken after having unprotected sex to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Let’s look at how much the Plan B pill costs, where to get it, how effective it is, and more.
                Research shows that Plan B emergency contraception may not work as well in women with a high BMI. Get the facts on Plan B in people with overweight here.

                How Effective Is Plan B in People With Overweight?

                Research shows that Plan B emergency contraception may not work as well in women with a high BMI. Get the facts on Plan B in people with overweight here.
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                Ella (ulipristal) images

                White Round Ella - ella 30mg Tablet
                This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Ella".White Round Ella - ella 30mg Tablet
                White Round Ella - ella 30mg Tablet
                This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Ella".White Round Ella - ella 30mg Tablet

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                References

                Best studies we found

                HRA PHARMA AMERICA, INC. (2025). ELLA- ulipristal acetate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Moreau, C., et al. (2012). Results from pooled Phase III studies of ulipristal acetate for emergency contraception. Contraception.

                Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). What’s the ella morning-after pill?

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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