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Ulipristal acetate as an emergency contraceptive agent
Alan M Martinez1, Michael A Thomas
1University of Cincinnati, Center for Reproductive Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|July 10, 2012
Summary
Ulipristal acetate (UPA) is a new oral emergency contraceptive. It offers comparable or better efficacy and safety than older methods, with no increased side effects for preventing unplanned pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Pharmacology
- Contraception
Background:
- Emergency contraception (EC) is vital for preventing unplanned pregnancies.
- Historically, EC agents have shown varied efficacy and side effect profiles.
- Ulipristal acetate (UPA) is a novel oral EC agent, a selective progesterone receptor modulator.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety of UPA as an EC agent.
- To evaluate UPA's effectiveness and tolerability compared to existing EC options.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing research on ulipristal acetate for emergency contraception.
- Analysis of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic data.
- Evaluation of clinical trial data on efficacy and safety.
Main Results:
- Ulipristal acetate (UPA) is a selective progesterone receptor modulator administered as a single 30 mg oral dose for EC.
- UPA demonstrates comparable or superior efficacy to levonorgestrel and mifepristone.
- UPA exhibits a favorable side effect profile, with no increase in adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Ulipristal acetate (UPA) offers an effective and safe option for emergency contraception.
- Ongoing research is exploring UPA's potential in treating endometriosis and for extended contraceptive use due to its dual receptor activity.
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