What to Do If You Vomit After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

If you choke and vomit a little after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, it may affect the absorption of the medication. If vomiting occurs within two hours of taking the pill, it is recommended to take another dose. If you have concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for further advice?

I would like to ask the doctor, I took the emergency contraceptive pill a little over two hours ago, and just now I choked on some water and coughed up a very small amount, less than a mouthful.
Do I need to take another pill? Thank you, doctor.

YA, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/08

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on the situation you described, there is no need to take additional medication at this time.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and good health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2023/04/08

More Info

If you vomit shortly after taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), the need to take another dose depends on the timing of the vomiting in relation to when you took the pill. Generally, if you vomit within two hours of taking the ECP, it is advisable to take another dose. This is because the medication may not have been fully absorbed into your system before you vomited. However, since you mentioned that you vomited a very small amount and it was more than two hours after taking the pill, it is likely that the medication has already been absorbed, and you may not need to take an additional dose.

Emergency contraceptive pills, such as levonorgestrel (Plan B) or ulipristal acetate (Ella), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, and their effectiveness decreases the longer you wait to take them after unprotected sex.
It's important to note that if you experience vomiting after taking ECPs, you should monitor for any additional symptoms. If you continue to feel unwell or if vomiting persists, it may be wise to consult a healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on whether you need to take another dose or if other interventions are necessary.

In addition, if you have any concerns about potential pregnancy or if your menstrual cycle is delayed after taking the ECP, it is recommended to take a pregnancy test or consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
Lastly, while ECPs are generally safe, they can cause side effects such as nausea, fatigue, headache, and changes in your menstrual cycle. If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, it’s always a good idea to discuss these with your healthcare provider to ensure that the emergency contraceptive is appropriate for you.

In summary, since you vomited a small amount and it was over two hours after taking the ECP, you likely do not need to take another dose. However, if you have any doubts or if your symptoms worsen, please reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

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