Ulipristal Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 12, 2024.

Applies to ulipristal: oral tablet.

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:

More common side effects

• cramps
• heavy bleeding
• pain

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:

More common side effects

• headache
• nausea
• stomach pain
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

• dizziness

Incidence not known

• blemishes on the skin
• hives, welts, or itching
• large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• pimples
• redness of the skin

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]

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