Ulipristal Acetate: A New Emergency Contraceptive that is Safe and More Effective than Levonorgestrel
Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: Ulipristal acetate (UPA), a selective progesterone receptor modulator, when taken as a single 30-mg dose, is safe and effective for emergency contraception up to 5 days (120 h) following unprotected intercourse. This indication has been approved in Europe since May 2009 and was approved by the US FDA in August 2010. The older progesterone-only emergency contraceptive, levonorgestrel (LNG), is approved only up to 72 h after unprotected intercourse. UPA is effective in delaying or inhibiting ovulation, even if taken 24 to 48 h prior to expected ovulation, a time when LNG is no longer effective. A recent meta-analysis of two randomized clinical trials showed UPA to have a pregnancy risk 42% lower than LNG up to 72 h, and 65% lower in the first 24 h following unprotected intercourse. In a randomized trial enrolling women up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse, significantly more pregnancies were prevented with UPA than with LNG when taken beyond 72 h.
Source: Women s Health
DOI: 10.2217/whe.10.63
Author: Paul M Fine
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,000
OpenAlex ID: W2099306067