A new emergency contraceptive pill, currently only available in Europe, is showing to be more effective than the widely used Levonorgestrel (also known as Plan B). This report, published in the Lancet, concluded that Ulipristal Acatate, known as ellaOne, is not only more effective at preventing pregnancy than Plan B, but its effectiveness lasts up to 5-days. This is in contrast to the 72-hours of Plan B. The most frequently reported side effect were headaches.

EllaOne acts as a selective progesterone receptor modulator and works by preventing progesterone from binding to its receptors. The result is inhibition or delay in ovulation and suppression of the uterine wall growth necessary for embryo implantation. Plan B, on the other hand is a progestin, also known as a synthetic progesterone, and mimics how the natural hormone works. It interferes with ovulation in the early stages of an egg’s development.

It is important to note that HRA Pharmacy (the pharmacy that manufactures ellaOne), funded this research which led to its publication in the Lancet. That being said, an emergency contraceptive that is effective up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse, or contraceptive failure, is noteworthy. EllaOne not only appears more effective than Plan B,  it  allows women more time to consider all of their options.