ella
ella is an FDA-approved emergency contraceptive for use within 5 days of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, which is why it is sometimes referred to as “the week-after pill.” It is estimated taking ella will reduce the number of expected pregnancies from 5.5% to 2.2%.[15]
Pregnancy from a previous sexual encounter should be ruled out before taking ella. It is to be used only once during a menstrual cycle.
ella may reduce the chance of pregnancy by preventing or postponing ovulation.[16] It also may work by preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus, which is a very early abortion.[17]ella is a chemical cousin to the abortion pill. Both share the progesterone-blocking effect of disrupting the embryo’s attachment to the womb, causing its death.[18]
The most common adverse reactions of ella include headache, nausea, stomach (abdominal) pain, menstrual cramps, fatigue, and dizziness.[19] Women who experience abdominal pain 3 to 5 weeks after using ella should be evaluated right away for an ectopic pregnancy.
Much is unknown about the drug, including its effect on women:
- who are under 18 or over 35 years of age[20]
- taking with other hormonal contraception[21]
- pregnant from a previous encounter[22]
- taking ella repeatedly during the same cycle[23]
- taking while breast-feeding[24]
[1]“Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information: Mechanism of Action,” Barr Pharmaceuticals, last modified August 2009, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf
[2]“Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information: Indications and Usage,” Barr Pharmaceuticals, last modified August 2009, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf
[3]“Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information: Clinical Trials Experience,” Barr Pharmaceuticals, last modified August 2009, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf
[4]“Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information: Contraindications,” Barr Pharmaceuticals, last modified August 2009, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf and “Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information: Indications and Usage,” Barr Pharmaceuticals, last modified August 2009, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf
[5]“Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information: Ectopic Pregnancy,” Barr Pharmaceuticals, last modified August 2009, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf
[6]“Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information: Clinical Studies,” Barr Pharmaceuticals, last modified August 2009, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf
[7]“Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information: Drug Abuse and Dependence,” Barr Pharmaceuticals, last modified August 2009, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf
[8]“Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information: Overdose,” Barr Pharmaceuticals, last modified August 2009, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf
[9]“Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information: Specific Populations/Pediatric,” Barr Pharmaceuticals, last modified August 2009, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf
[10]“Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information: Specific Populations/Geriatric,” Barr Pharmaceuticals, last modified August 2009, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf
[11]“Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information: Specific Populations/Hepatic Impairment,” Barr Pharmaceuticals, last modified August 2009, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf
[12]“Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information: Specific Populations/Renal Impairment,” Barr Pharmaceuticals, last modified August 2009, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf
[13]“Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information: Drug-Drug Interactions,” Barr Pharmaceuticals, last modified August 2009, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf
[14]“Plan B One-Step Prescribing Information: Specific Populations/Race,” Barr Pharmaceuticals, last modified August 2009, http://www.planbonestep.com/pdf/PlanBOneStepFullProductInformation.pdf
[15]“ella Prescribing Information: Open-Label Study,” Watson Pharma, last modified April 2012, http://pi.watson.com/data_stream.asp?product_group=1699&p=pi&language=E
[16]“ella Prescribing Information: Mechanism of Action,” Watson Pharma, last modified April 2012, http://pi.watson.com/data_stream.asp?product_group=1699&p=pi&language=E
[17]Donna J. Harrison and James G. Mitroka, “Defining Reality: The Potential Role of Pharmacists in Assessing the Impact of Progesterone Receptor Modulators and Misoprostol in Reproductive Health,” The Annals of Pharmacotherapy 45, (January 2011): 115.
[18]Ibid.
[19]“ella Prescribing Information: Adverse Reactions,” Watson Pharma, last modified April 2012, http://pi.watson.com/data_stream.asp?product_group=1699&p=pi&language=E
[20]“ella Prescribing Information: Open-Label Study,” Watson Pharma, last modified April 2012, http://pi.watson.com/data_stream.asp?product_group=1699&p=pi&language=E
[21]“ella Prescribing Information: Fertility Following Use,” Watson Pharma, last modified April 2012, http://pi.watson.com/data_stream.asp?product_group=1699&p=pi&language=E
[22]“ella Prescribing Information: Contraindications,” Watson Pharma, last modified April 2012, http://pi.watson.com/data_stream.asp?product_group=1699&p=pi&language=E
[23]“ella Prescribing Information: Repeated Use,” Watson Pharma, last modified April 2012, http://pi.watson.com/data_stream.asp?product_group=1699&p=pi&language=E
[24]“ella Prescribing Information: Nursing Mothers,” Watson Pharma, last modified April 2012, http://pi.watson.com/data_stream.asp?product_group=1699&p=pi&language=E
[24]“ella Prescribing Information: Nursing Mothers,” Watson Pharma, last modified April 2012, http://pi.watson.com/data_stream.asp?product_group=1699&p=pi&language=E