Comprehensive medication guide to Ella including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0 copay under most ACA-compliant plans when prescribed; some plans may require prior authorization or a doctor's visit.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$40–$90 per tablet at retail pharmacies; as low as $39–$45 with GoodRx coupons or through telehealth platforms like Nurx and Wisp.
Medfinder Findability Score
58/100
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Ella (Ulipristal Acetate) is a prescription emergency contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. It is effective when taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, making it the longest-acting oral emergency contraceptive available. Ella was approved by the FDA and is manufactured by Laboratoire HRA Pharma, now owned by Perrigo Company plc. Unlike over-the-counter options like Plan B, Ella requires a prescription, though it can be obtained quickly through telehealth services.
Ella is a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM). It works primarily by inhibiting or delaying ovulation. When taken before ovulation, Ella binds to the progesterone receptor and prevents progesterone from acting, which delays the LH surge and postpones follicular rupture (the release of an egg). This mechanism makes Ella effective even on days 4 and 5 after unprotected intercourse, when levonorgestrel-based options like Plan B become significantly less effective.
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30 mg oral tablet — tablet
single-dose blister pack. This is the only available dose and formulation for Ella.
Ella scores a 58 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it can be moderately difficult to locate. While Ella is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list, many retail pharmacies simply don't stock it. This is because Ella is a single-dose, prescription-only emergency contraceptive with intermittent demand — pharmacies may not keep it on shelves routinely. In some regions, political or religious objections further limit availability. Demand surged after the 2022 Dobbs decision, temporarily straining supply. Your best bet is to use Medfinder to check pharmacy availability near you or consider ordering through a telehealth platform.
Ella can be prescribed by a wide range of healthcare providers, including:
If you need Ella quickly, telehealth is often the fastest route to getting a prescription.
No, Ella is not a controlled substance. It does not have a DEA schedule and has no potential for abuse or dependence. However, unlike Plan B (Levonorgestrel), Ella does require a prescription in the United States, which can create an access barrier for some patients.
Most side effects are mild and resolve within a few days. If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking Ella, a repeat dose may be needed. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience severe lower abdominal pain 3–5 weeks after taking Ella, as this could indicate an ectopic pregnancy.
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Plan B One-Step (Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg)
OTC emergency contraceptive effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. No prescription required, but less effective than Ella at days 4–5.
Take Action (Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg)
Generic levonorgestrel EC, available OTC at a lower cost than Plan B.
My Way (Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg)
Another budget-friendly generic levonorgestrel option, available without prescription.
Copper IUD (Paragard)
The most effective form of emergency contraception when inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex. Also provides long-term contraception for up to 10 years.
Prefer Ella? We can find it.
Hormonal contraceptives (progestin-containing birth control)
moderateElla and hormonal contraceptives both act on the progesterone receptor, and using them together may reduce the effectiveness of both. After taking Ella, use a barrier method (condoms) until your next menstrual period before resuming hormonal birth control.
CYP3A4 inducers
moderate(Rifampin, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, St. John's Wort, Barbiturates) — These can decrease Ella's effectiveness by lowering its blood levels.
CYP3A4 inhibitors
moderate(Ketoconazole, Itraconazole) — May significantly increase Ulipristal Acetate levels in the blood.
Ella remains the most effective oral emergency contraceptive available, with a 5-day window of effectiveness that no other pill can match. However, its prescription-only status and inconsistent pharmacy stocking make it harder to find than OTC alternatives like Plan B. If you need Ella, consider using Medfinder to locate a pharmacy near you that has it in stock, or use a telehealth service for a quick prescription and direct delivery. With GoodRx coupons or telehealth platforms, you can often get Ella for around $39–$45 even without insurance.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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