Emergency contraception (morning after pill)

Levonelle must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex. ellaOne must be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. Both pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

Both Levonelle and ellaOne can be taken more than once during your menstrual cycle.

Levonelle contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone hormone. Levonelle primarily works by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation). However, it also increases the thickness of the mucus around the cervix. This can help by creating a barrier that is difficult for sperm to pass through.      

ellaOne contains ulipristal acetate, which changes the way your body responds to the hormone progesterone. Ulipristal is thought to work mainly by preventing or delaying ovulation, depending on which stage of the menstrual cycle you're at.