Vomiting After Taking Emergency Contraception: A Critical Time Window
Nausea and vomiting are known potential side effects of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs). While not everyone experiences them, it is a valid concern that can significantly impact the medication's effectiveness if it occurs too soon after consumption. The exact timeframe during which a dose may be rendered ineffective depends on the specific type of pill taken. Understanding these timelines is crucial for anyone who experiences this side effect.
What to do based on your pill type
The most common types of oral emergency contraception available are those containing levonorgestrel (e.g., Plan B One-Step, Take Action) and ulipristal acetate (e.g., ella). The guidelines for each differ when it comes to vomiting.
Levonorgestrel (Plan B)
- Vomiting within 2 hours: If you vomit within two hours of taking a levonorgestrel pill, it is highly likely that the medication was not fully absorbed into your system. You should take another dose as soon as possible to ensure effectiveness. Consult a pharmacist or doctor for guidance.
Ulipristal Acetate (ella)
- Vomiting within 3 hours: For ulipristal acetate, the critical window is slightly longer. If you vomit within three hours of taking the pill, you should contact a healthcare professional to discuss taking another dose.
Why Nausea and Vomiting Are Common Side Effects
The high concentration of hormones in emergency contraceptive pills is the primary reason for these gastrointestinal side effects. The body is not accustomed to such a sudden and high influx of hormones, leading to temporary side effects as it adjusts. In levonorgestrel pills, the synthetic progestin can irritate the stomach lining, while the progesterone receptor modulation by ulipristal can also trigger nausea.
Managing Nausea to Avoid Vomiting
If you have a history of experiencing nausea or are concerned about this side effect, there are several steps you can take to mitigate the risk:
- Take the pill with a light meal or snack to help settle your stomach.
- Consider taking an over-the-counter anti-nausea medication about an hour before the emergency contraceptive, after consulting a pharmacist.
- Try natural remedies like ginger tea or ginger chews, which can be soothing for the stomach.
- Take the pill right before bedtime so that you can sleep through the initial adjustment period when side effects are most likely to occur.
- Stay hydrated by sipping cold water throughout the day, as dehydration can exacerbate nausea.
Morning-After Pill Comparison
| Feature | Levonorgestrel (e.g., Plan B One-Step) | Ulipristal Acetate (ella) |
|---|---|---|
| Timeframe to Take | Most effective within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex, but can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days). | Up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. |
| Vomiting Window for Repeat Dose | Within 2 hours. | Within 3 hours. |
| Prescription Status | Over-the-counter for ages 17+ (often behind the counter). | Prescription only. |
| Mechanism of Action | Primarily prevents or delays ovulation. | Blocks or delays ovulation more effectively later in the cycle. |
| Other Side Effects | Nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, breast tenderness, changes in period. | Headache, nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, dizziness, cramps. |
| Effectiveness | Decreases over the 72-hour period. | Does not lose effectiveness over the 120-hour period. |
When to Seek Medical Attention
While mild nausea and temporary side effects are normal, certain symptoms warrant immediate contact with a healthcare provider. These include:
- Severe abdominal pain: Intense pain in the lower stomach or side, especially a few weeks after taking the pill, could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
- Persistent or severe vomiting: If vomiting continues for more than 48 hours or is severe and persistent, it is important to seek medical advice.
- Allergic reactions: Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, require immediate emergency medical care.
- Delayed period: If your period is more than a week late, take a pregnancy test and contact your doctor.
Conclusion
If you find yourself asking can I vomit after taking the morning after pill, the answer is yes, as it is a known side effect, but the consequences for effectiveness depend on timing. Taking swift and correct action is the best way to ensure the medication works as intended. For levonorgestrel products like Plan B, vomiting within two hours requires a repeat dose, while ulipristal acetate (ella) has a three-hour window. Proper management of nausea with food or anti-nausea medication can help, but severe or persistent symptoms warrant professional medical evaluation. Always consult with a pharmacist or healthcare provider for the most accurate and personalized advice regarding emergency contraception. Planned Parenthood provides valuable information and resources on emergency contraception and its side effects [based on information from Planned Parenthood].
