Emergency Contraceptive: What to Do After Vomiting?

If you vomit after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, you should take another dose as soon as possible, especially if the vomiting occurs within two hours of ingestion?

Hello! I am taking Yejih 21, and I usually take it around 11 PM.
After taking 17 pills, I vomited at 1 AM after drinking alcohol.
Later, at 9 AM, I took an additional pill.
Is this the correct approach? Will it affect the efficacy of the medication? Since taking the extra pill means I won't complete the 21 days, does that matter? After finishing this pack, should I still stop taking the medication for 7 days before starting the next pack?

Syuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/26

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, after finishing the birth control pills, start taking the next pack on the fifth day after your period begins.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/03/26

More Info

When it comes to emergency contraception and the effects of vomiting after taking a contraceptive pill, it's important to understand how these medications work and what steps to take if you experience vomiting shortly after ingestion.

In your case, you mentioned that you are taking a birth control pill (悦己21) and vomited a few hours after taking it. Generally, if you vomit within two hours of taking a contraceptive pill, the effectiveness of the pill may be compromised. This is because the body may not have had enough time to absorb the medication into the bloodstream. However, since you vomited at 1 AM and took the pill at 11 PM, it is likely that the medication was already absorbed by the time you vomited, especially if you had taken it consistently prior to this incident.

You also mentioned that you took an additional pill at 9 AM after vomiting. This is a common practice when one is unsure about the absorption of the previous dose. Taking an extra pill can help ensure that you maintain the contraceptive coverage, especially if you are concerned about the effectiveness due to vomiting. However, it is essential to note that taking an extra pill does not mean you should continue to take more than the prescribed dosage in the future. You should follow the prescribed regimen for the remaining pills in the pack.

Regarding your concern about completing the 21-day regimen, it is crucial to finish the entire pack as directed. After completing the 21 days, you should take a 7-day break before starting the next pack. This break is important as it allows your body to have a withdrawal bleed, similar to a menstrual period. Skipping this break could potentially disrupt your menstrual cycle and may lead to unexpected bleeding or other side effects.

If you have any further concerns about the effectiveness of your contraceptive method, especially after vomiting or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current situation.

In summary, since you vomited after taking the pill, it is likely that the medication was absorbed, and taking an additional pill was a reasonable precaution. Continue taking the remaining pills as directed, and do not skip the 7-day break after completing the pack. If you have any doubts or experience any side effects, reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance.

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