Overview
11 DESCRIPTION The ella (ulipristal acetate) tablet for oral use contains 30 mg of a single active steroid ingredient, ulipristal acetate [17α-acetoxy-11β-(4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)-19-norpregna-4,9-diene-3,20-dione], a synthetic progesterone agonist/antagonist. The inactive ingredients are lactose monohydrate, povidone K-30, croscarmellose sodium and magnesium stearate.
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action When taken immediately before ovulation is to occur, ella postpones follicular rupture. The likely primary mechanism of action of ulipristal acetate for emergency contraception is therefore inhibition or delay of ovulation; however, alterations to the endometrium that may affect implantation may also contribute to efficacy. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Ulipristal acetate is a selective progesterone receptor modulator with antagonistic and partial agonistic effects (a progesterone agonist/antagonist) at the progesterone receptor. It binds the human progesterone receptor and prevents progesterone from occupying its receptor. The pharmacodynamics of ulipristal acetate depend on the timing of administration in the menstrual cycle.
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ella is a progesterone agonist/antagonist emergency contraceptive indicated for prevention of pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . Ella is not intended for routine use as a contraceptive. Ella is a progesterone agonist/antagonist emergency contraceptive indicated for prevention of pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure. Ella is not intended for routine use as a contraceptive. ( 1 )
Common Doses
- Refer to label
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Take one tablet orally as soon as possible, within 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure. Take with or without food. Take at any time during the menstrual cycle. ( 2.1 ) After ella use, initiate or resume hormonal contraception no sooner than 5 days after the intake of ella and use a reliable barrier method until the next menstrual period. ( 2.2 ) If vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking ella , consider repeating the dose. ( 2.3 ) 2.
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Ella is contraindicated for use in the case of known or suspected pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. Known or suspected pregnancy ( 4 )
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (≥ 5%) in the clinical trials were headache (18%), abdominal pain (12%), nausea (12%), dysmenorrhea (9%), fatigue (6%) and dizziness (5%). ( 6 )To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact HRA Pharma America Inc., at 844-994-0329 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect...
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Several in vivo drug interaction studies have shown that ella is predominantly metabolized by CYP3A4. Drugs or herbal products that induce CYP3A4 decrease the effectiveness of ella . ( 7.1 ) Initiation of progestin-containing contraceptives may impair the ability of ella to delay ovulation. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Changes in Emergency Contraceptive Effectiveness Associated with Co-Administration of Other Products CYP3A inducers Drugs or herbal products that induce CYP3A4 decrease the plasma concentrations of ella , and may decrease its effectiveness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.