Academic OB/GYN

by Sharon Phillips, MD and Nicholas Fogelson, MD

Lots of people have been talking about Ulipristal acetate (Ellaone), a new emergency contraception option now available in the UK.  The buzz is that it is effective for 5 days instead of 3.

Currently in the US we have only one option for EC (Emergency Contraception): levonogestrel (Plan B), which is FDA labeled for use up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.  However, we now know that it is effective for up to 5 days after unprotected sex(1), though the efficacy seems to decrease the further out from the episode of intercourse you are.

It’s great to have a new EC option.  Having 2 options might help bring the price down (Plan B can range from $30 to $60 for one dose).  However, it may not be any better than what we already have.

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