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Ulipristal acetate is an emergency contraceptive pill considered after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It does not protect against STIs and it does not interrupt an established pregnancy.

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What is ulipristal acetate?

Ulipristal acetate is a single oral tablet, taken as one dose. The indication, regimen and follow-up depend on your history and country guidance — a licensed doctor decides whether it is appropriate, and prescribing is never automatic.
Active ingredient: ulipristal. Dosage: 30 mg.

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How it works

Ulipristal changes progesterone-receptor activity to delay ovulation, including closer to the expected ovulation time than levonorgestrel.

Up to a five-day window

Can be considered up to 120 hours after sex, though earlier assessment is still better.

Single-dose treatment

The prescribed course is one tablet when oral emergency contraception is appropriate.

Contraception plan included

The review covers when to restart hormonal contraception and how long to use barriers.

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Dosing

The dose is one 30 mg tablet taken as soon as possible and no later than 120 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Hormonal contraception is usually restarted after a five-day wait — follow the exact instruction given, and use condoms until it is effective again.
1

Assessment

Check timing and current contraception.
2

Treatment

Take the single prescribed tablet.
3

Next five days

Follow barrier and restart advice.

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What has been reported

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Who it is not suitable for

  • Where pregnancy is suspected and needs assessment
  • Enzyme-inducing medicines, severe asthma treated with oral steroids, breastfeeding, or recent use of progestogen contraception, where another option is safer
  • Do not combine ulipristal with levonorgestrel emergency contraception
For severe, sudden or unexpected symptoms, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department, then let your doctor know through your account chat.

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How to take it

Take the single dose no later than 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure — it can be taken at any point in the menstrual cycle once relevant pregnancy concerns have been assessed. If you vomit within three hours, take another tablet as soon as possible after speaking with a pharmacist or clinician, because the dose may not have been absorbed.
  • Severe one-sided abdominal pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, or heavy bleeding — seek urgent assessment
  • The next period is more than about 7 days late, is unusual, or pregnancy symptoms occur — take a test and seek advice
  • There is another unprotected exposure, an STI concern, or uncertainty about restarting contraception
Keep in the original package, away from moisture and direct heat, and out of children’s reach. Follow the temperature limit on your pack and do not use it after the expiry date.

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How Hi-Doctor handles it

An EU-licensed doctor reads your questionnaire and answers within 24 hours. If the doctor decides it is not safe to prescribe, the consultation fee is refunded in full. Follow-up happens in the private chat inside your account, under GDPR — no WhatsApp, no SMS. For the full walkthrough, see the ulipristal emergency contraception guide. See also how a Hi-Doctor consultation works, safety and eligibility checks, and pricing.

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Start a consultation

Sexual health consultation

Answer the sexual health questionnaire and a registered doctor reviews it. They decide whether treatment is appropriate, which one, and at what dose — and declining is a normal outcome. See what it costs and how the review works.
This page is reference information, not medical advice and not a prescription. Whether a medicine is appropriate for you is decided by a registered doctor after reviewing your consultation.