> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hi-doctor.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Ulipristal acetate 30mg — emergency contraception

> Ulipristal acetate emergency contraception: how the single dose works within a five-day window, side effects and who needs another option.

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.

## 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.

<Info>
  Active ingredient: ulipristal. Dosage: 30 mg.
</Info>

## How it works

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

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Up to a five-day window" icon="clock">
    Can be considered up to 120 hours after sex, though earlier assessment is still better.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Single-dose treatment" icon="pills">
    The prescribed course is one tablet when oral emergency contraception is appropriate.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contraception plan included" icon="calendar-check">
    The review covers when to restart hormonal contraception and how long to use barriers.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## 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.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Assessment">
    Check timing and current contraception.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Treatment">
    Take the single prescribed tablet.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Next five days">
    Follow barrier and restart advice.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What has been reported

| Effect                                                             | Notes                                                                                             |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Headache, nausea, abdominal or pelvic pain, period pain, dizziness | Can occur                                                                                         |
| Mood changes, back pain, tiredness                                 | Can occur                                                                                         |
| A temporary shift in the next period                               | Bleeding can differ from usual; bleeding alone does not show whether pregnancy has been prevented |

## 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

<Warning>
  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.
</Warning>

## 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.

<Accordion title="Contact your doctor if">
  * 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
</Accordion>

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.

## 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](https://hi-doctor.ai/guides/ulipristal).

See also [how a Hi-Doctor consultation works](/essentials/how-it-works), [safety and eligibility checks](/essentials/safety), and [pricing](/essentials/pricing).

## Start a consultation

<Card title="Sexual health consultation" icon="stethoscope" href="https://hi-doctor.ai/consultation/sexual-health/1">
  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](/essentials/pricing)
  and [how the review works](/essentials/how-it-works).
</Card>

<Warning>
  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.
</Warning>