Ulipristal Acetate

Description

Ulipristal acetate is a synthetic steroid derived from 19-nor-progesterone that exerts potent progesterone receptor (PR) antagonist activity at the transcriptional level. It is an orally administered drug indicated for emergency contraception (i.e., postcoital contraception) up to 120 h following unprotected intercourse. Ulipristal acetate is the second oral progestogen marketed for this indication behind levonorgestrel. As PR antagonists, both drugs are believed to act via delay of ovulation and inhibition of follicular development. Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg is approved for contraception up to 72 h following unprotected intercourse and is widely accessible via prescription, and directly from clinics and community pharmacies. Prior to ulipristal acetate, the only approved postcoital contraceptive option between 72 and 120 h was the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD). The recommended dose of ulipristal acetate is one 30-mg tablet taken as soon as possible and no more than 120 h following intercourse. The vast majority of PR antagonists belonging to the mifepristone (RU486) family also bind to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) with high affinity and thereby exert antiglucocorticoid activity.
The most common adverse effects with ulipristal acetate were headache, dysmenorrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, and upper abdominal pain.

The Uses of Ulipristal Acetate

Ulipristal acetate is a selective progesterone receptor modulator