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ellaOne information
Oral emergency contraception should not be taken by anybody with a hypersensitivity to progestogens.
It is not suitable for anyone with severe liver disease, acute porphyria or a severe malabsorptive state where the medication may not absorb properly.
There are a few medicines that may interact with oral emergency contraception and make it less effective, including some antiepileptic drugs, antibiotics and retroviral medications. We will go through the specific medications with our consultation.
They cannot be taken by someone with severe asthma, using oral steroids.
Ulipristal cannot be used by anyone breastfeeding.
Levonelle (levonorgestrel) is a single tablet that should be taken as a single dose within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.
Ulipristal (EllaOne) is a single tablet that should be taken as a single dose within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse.
Side effects with oral emergency contraception are uncommon.
They can cause breast tenderness, fatigue, dizziness, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking oral emergency contraception, a repeat dose should be taken.
Always read the label of any medication that you take and only take according to the instructions provided. Do not exceed the stated dose.
We recognise that you may be seeking emergency contraception because something sexual happened to you without your consent.
Consent happens when all people involved in a sexual activity agree to take part by choice, where they have the freedom and capacity to make that choice.
We all have the right to not agree to any type of sexual activity. We have the right to change our minds at any time, or consent to doing one sexual thing with someone but not another.
If you did not consent to sex, we urge you to call the police or visit your local accident and emergency service, where help will be available to you.
For more information visit:
https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.
View patient information leaflet.Emergency contraception is a way of preventing pregnancy after sexual intercourse where contraception wasn’t used or there is a chance what was used may have failed.
Where no contraception was used.
There is a concern that a condom failed, for example it fell off or leaked.
A regular contraceptive pill has been missed.
Regular oral contraception is being taken, but during the month diarrhoea or vomiting has occurred, reducing its effectiveness.
There was failure to withdraw prior to ejaculation (withdrawal is an extremely unreliable and cannot be considered a form of contraception).
The most effective type of emergency contraception is the copper intrauterine device (IUD) and this should be considered as the first choice. It should be inserted into the womb as soon as possible after unprotected sex and can be used if the oral contraceptive pill has already been taken. Once inserted, it will work as a contraceptive in the future as well. It can stay in place for several years and can be removed any time someone wishes to start a pregnancy.
If you want to consider a copper IUD, you should contact your local sexual health services, family planning clinic or doctor.
There are also two types of oral emergency contraception available, which can be used as an alternative to or as well as the copper IUD.
Levonorgestrel (Levonelle) is a single tablet that can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. Studies have shown the pregnancy rate to be less than 1.6% after taking it. It cannot be used if a person is currently pregnant, had a birth in the previous 21 days or had a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or uterine evacuation for a molar pregnancy in the previous 5 days.
Ulipristal (EllaOne) is a single tablet that can be used up to 120 hours after unprotected sex. Studies have shown the pregnancy rate to be less than 1.3% after taking it.
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Backed by our experienced UK-based medical team
Dr. Bryony Henderson
Dr. Bryony Henderson is Medical Director for MedExpress UK, bringing extensive experience in clinical operations, governance and digital health. She has previously held roles dedicated to delivering safe, scalable care across well-known brands. She is a recognised clinical voice contributing to award-winning campaigns, publishing on health inequalities, and appearing across national media. Here, Bryony leads clinical governance and quality, supporting the delivery of safe, innovative and accessible healthcare.
Adedayo Titiloye
Adedayo Titiloye is Superintendent Pharmacist responsible for the safe and compliant delivery of pharmacy services across MedExpress. He brings experience across community pharmacy and regional operations, including leadership roles within one of the UK’s largest independent pharmacy groups. Here, Ade focuses on building high-performing teams, improving processes and ensuring pharmacy services deliver safe, effective care at scale.
Dr. Carla Rodrigues
Dr. Carla Rodrigues is Head of Medical Operations at MedExpress, having previously held leadership roles in primary care networks and across well-known healthcare organisations, and has led scientific society groups in the field of sexual medicine. She has also completed training with MIT, Harvard and INSEAD. At HeliosX, Carla leads medical operations in the UK, overseeing the delivery of safe care pathways and upholding high standards in prescribing and clinical governance.
Dr. Kavir Matharu
Dr. Kavir Matharu is a GP Lead at MedExpress, with 10 years’ experience across a range of healthcare settings. She is a practising GP with a background in complex healthcare consulting, having worked on high-level strategic and operational challenges within the health system. She was also selected for a leadership fellowship with the National Medical Director at NHS England. Kavir has a strong interest in healthcare leadership and system improvement, with a focus on high-quality, sustainable care.
Dr. Daryl Perera
Dr. Daryl Perera is a GP Lead at MedExpress, with experience across NHS primary care, urgent care and private practice. He has extensive experience in digital healthcare and clinical leadership, and oversees clinical governance and patient safety across our digital health services. His work spans urgent care and preventative medicine, with particular interests in men’s health, obesity management, and sport and exercise medicine. Daryl has worked across a range of NHS and private healthcare organisations and previously held a GP Director role.
Dr. Sophie Dix
Head of Medical Affairs
BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD
Dr. Sophie Dix is Head of Medical Affairs at MedExpress and a behavioural neuroscientist with over 25 years’ experience across the pharmaceutical industry, charity sector and health technology. Her work has focused on understanding how to manage and treat conditions affecting both mind and body, bringing together scientific insight with real-world care. Sophie is passionate about evidence and ensuring people have access to the right treatment at the right time.
Dr. Zoe Lees
Medical Writer
BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD
Dr. Zoe Lees is a Medical Writer at MedExpress, specialising in clear, evidence-based health communications. She completed her postgraduate research at the University of Glasgow, focusing on metabolic complications of pregnancy and the role of adipose tissue function. Zoe brings a strong scientific foundation to her work and is committed to delivering content that is both accurate and accessible, grounded in robust research.
Dr. Adam Abbs
Dr. Adam Abbs is Medical Director, International at MedExpress responsible for expanding the company into new markets. He has extensive experience in asynchronous and video consultations, technology-enabled remote examinations and home biomarker testing, with a particular interest in educating both patients and doctors. Adam is a published author and is licensed to practice medicine in the UK and across the EU, and is registered in Canada.
Liyya Patel
Liyya Patel is Deputy Chief Pharmacist at MedExpress UK, with over 10 years’ experience supporting the organisation’s growth and development. She is responsible for ensuring pharmacy services are safe, compliant and meet all regulatory standards, playing a key role in maintaining high-quality clinical care. Liyya previously worked in high-volume community pharmacy settings in Central London and is a qualified pharmacist and independent prescriber.
Dr. Olivia de Rougemont
Dr. Olivia de Rougemont is a GP Lead at MedExpress with over 12 years’ experience across the NHS and private sectors. She has extensive experience in digital and in-person care, with a particular interest in women’s health, preventative medicine, and delivering patient-centred support that feels clear and accessible. Olivia also leads and mentors GPs, and brings a global perspective shaped by her experience working across different healthcare systems.