New oral emergency contraceptive promising

Ulipristal acetate (ellaOne) has been shown to be non-inferior to levonorgestrel (Levonelle) as emergency contraception (Lancet 2010; published online 13 February; 10.1016/S0140-6736(10)60101-8).

Ulipristal acetate is the first oral emergency contraceptive to be licensed for use up to five days after unprotected intercourse; levonorgestrel is licensed for use up to three days afterwards. The trial randomised 2221 women to receive a single oral dose of ulipristal acetate 30mg or levonorgestrel 1.5mg within five days; of these, 1696 were treated within three days of unprotected intercourse.

Among women treated within three days, pregnancy rates were 1.8 per cent with ulipristal acetate and 2.6 per cent with levonorgestrel; there were three pregnancies among women treated between three and five days, all of whom received levonorgestrel. Headache was reported by about 19 per cent of women in each group.