An emergency contraceptive, sometimes referred to as the morning-after pill, is an important option in preventing unwanted pregnancies. Before a situation arises, learning about your birth control options can help you feel empowered and prepared.
Learn about two leading emergency contraception options, Ella® and Plan B One-Step®, so you can be confident in your choices. Getting this medication when you need it is an important consideration, and RedBox Rx offers overnight and expedited shipping for Ella to ensure it arrives within the window of effectiveness.
What is Ella® (ulipristal acetate)?
Ella (ulipristal acetate) is an oral emergency contraceptive prescribed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It belongs to the class of medications called progestins and works by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the ovaries.
Take one Ella (30 mg) tablet as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It is more effective the sooner it is taken. However, it can be effective at preventing pregnancy for up to five days.
If you are currently on hormonal birth control, taking both Ella and hormonal birth control can make both medications less effective. To prevent pregnancy after taking Ella, use a barrier method (condom, diaphragm, etc.) until your next menstrual cycle.1
What is Plan B One-Step® (levonorgestrel)?
Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) is an oral emergency contraceptive and belongs to the class of medications called progestins. It prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex by stopping the release of an egg from the ovaries.
For the best effectiveness, Plan B One-Step should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It is effective for up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.2
What are the differences between Ella and Plan B One-Step?
While Ella and Plan B One-Step are both emergency contraceptives that block ovulation, there are some differences, including:3
Effectiveness. Ella lowers the risk of pregnancy by 98% if taken within the first 72 hours and by 85% if taken within 120 hours. Plan B One-Step reduces the risk of pregnancy by about 94% when taken within the first 72 hours. It is approximately 58% effective if taken within 120 hours.4
Window of effectiveness. Ella is effective for up to 120 hours or five days after unprotected sex. Plan B One-Step is effective for up to 72 hours or three days.
Prescription status. Ella requires a prescription. Plan B One-Step is available over the counter.
Patient weight restrictions. Plan B One-Step may not work for people weighing over 165 pounds. Ella’s effectiveness decreases if the individual weighs over 195 pounds.
How effective are Ella and Plan B One-Step for emergency contraception?
If taken as directed, Ella is the most effective emergency contraceptive pill. It lowers the risk of pregnancy by 98% if taken within the first 72 hours and is about 85% effective if taken within the first 120 hours.
If taken within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex, Plan B One-Step reduces the risk of pregnancy by about 94%. It is approximately 58% effective if taken within 72 hours.5
How do I know if Ella or Plan B One-Step worked?
If emergency contraceptive pills worked, you should resume your next period within three weeks. Taking Ella or Plan B One-Step can delay or speed up your period. If your period has not returned within three weeks, take a pregnancy test and talk to your provider.6
How do the side effects compare for Ella and Plan B One-Step?
Common side effects of Ella include:7
Painful menstrual periods.
Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods.
Nausea.
Tiredness.
Headache.
Dizziness.
Common side effects of Plan B One-Step include:8
Heavier or lighter than usual menstrual bleeding.
Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Tiredness.
Headache.
Dizziness.
Breast pain or tenderness.
Do Ella or Plan B One-Step pills expire?
Both Ella and Plan B One-Step can expire. Check your prescription for an expiration date. Ella has a shelf life of approximately three years, and Plan B One-Step expires after four years.9
You can get a prescription for emergency contraception to have on hand in case of emergencies.
Get Ella emergency contraception for $15 per treatment.
RedBox Rx offers expedited shipping or local pharmacy pickup for Ella. Start a quick and easy online assessment.
Get startedHow do costs compare for Ella and Plan B One-Step?
The costs of emergency contraception will vary depending on the pharmacy, the brand and insurance coverage. Ella retails for approximately $62 without insurance or prescription discounts.10 With RedBox Rx, Ella starts at $15 per treatment.
Plan B One-Step retails for approximately $60 per treatment without insurance or prescription discounts.11
Are Ella and Plan B One-Step available over the counter? Where can I buy them?
Ella is available by prescription only. You can visit your provider in person or get a prescription online from a telehealth provider like RedBox Rx.
Plan B One-Step is available over the counter without a prescription. You can find it at most major drug stores, retail stores and online.
Ella® (Ulipristal Acetate) vs. Plan B One-Step® (Levonorgestrel) Comparison Chart
How RedBox Rx can help
RedBox Rx makes receiving a prescription for emergency contraception easy and affordable.
Benefits of RedBox Rx include:
Transparent, affordable rates for Ella starting at $15 per treatment.
Convenient online consultations with a U.S. licensed medical professional.
No insurance required. FSA and HSA eligible.
No office wait times or scheduling issues typical with physical medical practices.
Discreet, fast shipping directly to you. Expedited and overnight options available.
Get started now with an online assessment for emergency contraception.
