Aug. 13, 2010 — The FDA has approved Ella, a new morning-after contraceptive pill effective for up to five days after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
An FDA expert advisory panel last June unanimously urged the FDA to approve the drug. Called Ella in the U.S., the drug already is approved in Europe and sold there as EllaOne.
The only other emergency contraceptive is Plan B. Unlike Ella, which will be available only by prescription, Plan B is sold without a prescription for women aged 17 and older.
Side effects of Ella, similar to those of Plan B, include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, pain/discomfort during menstruation (dysmenorrhea), fatigue, and dizziness.
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