Ulipristal Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 25, 2024.

Applies to ulipristal: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check you closely to make sure this medicine is working properly and does not cause unwanted effects.

Although you are using this medicine to prevent pregnancy, you should know that using this medicine while you are pregnant could harm the unborn baby. Your doctor may give you a pregnancy test before you start using this medicine to make sure you are not pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Call your doctor right away if you have severe lower stomach pain 3 to 5 weeks after taking this medicine. You may have a pregnancy outside of the uterus (womb), which is called an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy can be a serious and life-threatening condition. It can also cause problems that may make it harder for you to become pregnant in the future.

This medicine may make your next monthly period earlier or later than expected by a few days. If your next period after taking this medicine is more than 1 week late, check with your doctor right away for a pregnancy test.

Do not use any additional emergency pills (eg, levonorgestrel) within 5 days after taking this medicine.

Your regular birth control method including birth control pills, vaginal ring, or patch may not work as well while you are using this medicine. You should not start taking hormonal contraceptives until at least 5 days after using this medicine and you must use a barrier method, including a condom with spermicide, diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly, until the next menstrual cycle.

This medicine will not protect you from getting HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases. If this is a concern for you, talk with your doctor.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal (eg, St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of ulipristal

Along with its needed effects, ulipristal 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 while taking ulipristal:

Other side effects of ulipristal

Some side effects of ulipristal 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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ulipristal: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions (10% or more) reported were hot flush, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and dysmenorrhea.^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Hot flush (up to 24%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Breast tenderness/pain, vertigo, edema
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hot flush, pyrexia, breast swelling/discomfort
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Thirst^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Amenorrhea (up to 80.8%), endometrial thickening (up to 15%), dysmenorrhea (up to 13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pelvic pain, uterine hemorrhage, ovarian cyst
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Menorrhagia, menstrual disorder, vaginitis, premenstrual syndrome, metrorrhagia, vaginal/genital discharge, urinary incontinence, ruptured ovarian cyst
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Genital pruritus, dyspareunia, vulvovaginal pain, hypomenorrhea^[Ref]

Endometrial thickening (more than 16 mm) reverses when treatment is stopped and menstrual periods resume. This condition should not be mistaken for endometrial hyperplasia as these changes are reversible after treatment cessation.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Acne, hyperhidrosis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Alopecia, dry skin, skin lesion, pruritus
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Urticaria^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Abdominal pain (up to 15%), nausea (up to 13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal discomfort, vomiting
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, flatulence^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Influenza^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Blood cholesterol increased
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Appetite disorders, blood triglycerides increased, weight increased^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia, back pain, musculoskeletal pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asthenia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 19%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Somnolence, migraine, chills, malaise
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Tremor, disturbance in attention, dysgeusia, syncope^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Visual disturbance
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Abnormal sensation in eye, ocular hyperemia, photophobia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Mood disorders
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Emotional disorder, anxiety, insomnia, hyperactivity disorder, libido changes
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Disorientation^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Epistaxis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Dry throat^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What's the weight limit for Plan B?

Further information

Ulipristal side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer