Ulipristal acetate: understanding its uses for EC and beyond
Downloadable resources
Uses of Ulipristal Acetate beyond Emergency Contraception: Contraception article
UPA has shown significant promise for indications outside of EC, most notably treatment of uterine leiomyomas, but also ongoing contraception, prevention and treatment of breast cancer, and abnormal uterine bleeding. While UPA has extensive potential for use both within and beyond reproductive health, unfortunately any ongoing development is at a standstill due to concerns regarding its possible role in causing serious liver injury. The role of Journal Pre-proof 3 UPA in causing drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is not confirmed and pre-clinical studies during development did not demonstrate a concern that UPA causes DILI. Conclusions Access to UPA is crucial not only for EC but for the treatment of many other gynecologic and non-gynecologic conditions.
Uses of Ulipristal Acetate beyond Emergency Contraception: Fact Sheet
UPA is best known as the most effective oral emergency contraceptive (EC) method that is widely available. UPA EC (30 mg) is more effective than levonorgestrel (LNG) EC because it works closer to the time of ovulation, delaying ovulation even after the start of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge until the LH peak, at which point LNG is no longer effective at inhibiting ovulation [1]. Emerging evidence suggests the UPA could be an effective treatment for uterine fibroids, ongoing contraception, prevention and treatment of breast cancer, and abnormal uterine bleeding. Some of these conditions, which can significantly affect the health, well-being, and capacity to equally participate in society of women and pregnancy-capable people, have been historically neglected in research and healthcare. This fact sheet explores potential uses of UPA beyond EC.
Ulipristal Acetate + Misoprostol for Medication Abortion: Background and Key Takeaways
A recent study that includes ulipristal acetate (UPA) as part of an abortion regimen may put a spotlight on EC pills, since UPA is currently marketed and indicated for EC use. The European Consortium for Emergency Contraception (ECEC) and the American Society for Emergency Contraception (ASEC) created this resource to provide background information about emergency contraceptive (EC) pills and medication abortion regimens. Publication of the new study creates renewed opportunities to educate about the importance of EC and its role in preventing pregnancy; dispel myths around EC pill use, safety, and mechanism of action; and uplift the importance of both EC and medication abortion while clarifying the differences.
Ulipristal Acetate + Misoprostol for Medication Abortion: Summary
This document summarizes key takeaways about new potential uses for ulipristal acetate (UPA), as a forthcoming study investigated use of UPA and misoprostol for early pregnancy termination.
New Data on Ulipristal Acetate and Misoprostol for Medication Abortion — A Step Forward?
By Daniel Grossman, MD ​
In the current issue of NEJM Evidence, Winikoff et al. report on an early phase study in humans of ulipristal acetate used for medication abortion.1 The researchers found that ulipristal acetate 60 mg used together with a single dose of misoprostol 800 μg was 97.0% (95% confidence interval, 94.1 to 99.9%) effective to induce a complete abortion up to 63 days of pregnancy. Although the study is small and lacks a concurrent comparison group, the findings suggest that this regimen may be effective for medication abortion, and more research is warranted.
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To learn more about EC:
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To learn more about abortion:
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I Need An A: https://www.ineedana.com/
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Plan C: https://www.plancpills.org/
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Aid Access: https://aidaccess.org/en/
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Abortionfinder: https://www.abortionfinder.org/​
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Versions of these documents adapted to a global context are available here
