Accidentally Took Extra Birth Control Pill: What Should I Do Next?

Took an extra dose of the emergency contraceptive pill?

Hello Dr.
Chang, I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to ask about a situation.
On January 8th at 11 PM, I mistakenly thought I hadn't taken my medication on January 7th, so I took two pills on January 8th at 11 PM.
It wasn't until January 12th at 11 PM, when I was supposed to take my medication, that I realized I had actually taken it on January 7th.
Coincidentally, I took the 20th pill on January 13th, and I was supposed to take the last pill of this pack on January 14th at 11 PM.
However, I have already taken the last pill on January 13th.
I would like to ask if I should open the next pack on January 14th to make up for the last pill, or should I stop the medication and resume taking the next pack after a week? Thank you very much! 🙏

Miss Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/01/14

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, I recommend taking the subsequent medications one day earlier and continuing with the previous method.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2022/01/14

More Info

If you accidentally took an extra birth control pill, it's important to understand how to proceed to ensure your contraceptive effectiveness and manage any potential side effects. In your case, since you took two pills on January 8th, thinking you missed a dose, and then realized you had already taken the pill on January 7th, you have essentially taken an extra pill.
First, let's clarify what to do next:
1. Continue Taking Your Pills: Since you have already taken the extra pill, you should continue taking your birth control pills as scheduled. This means you should take the next pill at your regular time on January 14th. There is no need to skip or stop taking your pills unless advised by your healthcare provider.

2. No Need for Additional Pills: You do not need to start a new pack immediately after taking the last pill of your current pack. You should finish the current pack as planned. After finishing this pack, you can start the next pack on schedule.
3. Monitor for Side Effects: Taking an extra pill may lead to some side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, or spotting. These are generally not serious but can be uncomfortable. If you experience severe side effects or have concerns, consult your healthcare provider.

4. Contraceptive Effectiveness: Taking an extra pill does not significantly affect the contraceptive effectiveness of your birth control method. As long as you continue taking your pills correctly after this incident, you should remain protected against pregnancy.

5. Considerations for Future Doses: If you ever miss a pill in the future, refer to the instructions provided with your birth control pack or consult your healthcare provider for guidance on how to proceed. Most birth control methods have specific instructions for missed doses, which can vary depending on whether you are using a combination pill or a progestin-only pill.

6. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If you have any lingering concerns or if you experience unusual symptoms, it's always a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and the specific type of birth control you are using.

In summary, continue taking your birth control pills as scheduled, monitor for any side effects, and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. It's essential to stay informed about your contraceptive method and how to manage any unexpected situations like this.

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