What to Do Immediately After Taking Two Desogestrel Pills
If you have accidentally taken two desogestrel pills, the most important thing is not to panic. This is a relatively common mistake, and it is highly unlikely to cause any serious health complications. Taking an additional pill will not enhance your contraception, but it won't render it ineffective either.
Continue your regular schedule
After taking the extra pill, you should continue taking the rest of your pack as you normally would, at the same time each day. You will simply finish your pack earlier than usual. You can obtain an early refill from your pharmacist to begin your next pack on time. For desogestrel, specifically, maintaining the routine is key to preserving contraceptive protection.
Anticipate mild, temporary effects
Although many individuals experience no effects at all, the extra hormone may lead to some mild and temporary symptoms. These could include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
These effects are typically brief and should resolve as your body adjusts to the hormone level. To help with nausea, some find it helpful to take pills with a meal or consume crystallized ginger or ginger tea.
Potential Considerations and When to Seek Medical Help
While a single accidental extra dose is not considered dangerous, it is important to be aware of situations that might warrant medical attention. While very rare, some symptoms could indicate a more serious issue, especially with combined pills that contain estrogen, but caution with any medication is prudent.
When to seek urgent medical attention
Contact a healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help if you experience:
- Sudden, severe chest pain
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Unusual pain, warmth, or swelling in your legs, which could potentially indicate a blood clot
- Sudden or severe headaches or vision problems
- Heavy vaginal bleeding that is not just spotting
Comparison: Accidental Extra Dose vs. Missed Pill
Understanding the distinction between these two scenarios is important for managing your contraception correctly.
| Scenario | Accidental Extra Dose | Missed Pill (Progestin-Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Action | No special action needed; continue normal schedule. | Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. |
| Protection | Protection is maintained. | Protection is reduced if taken outside the allowed time window, depending on the specific mini-pill. |
| Backup Contraception | Not usually required. | May be required for a period if the pill was missed outside the specified time window. |
| Side Effects | Mild, temporary symptoms like nausea or spotting are possible. | Effects are possible but depend on the duration of the missed dose. |
| Emergency Contraception | Not needed. | May be needed if unprotected sexual activity occurred after the missed pill. |
How to Help Avoid Future Accidental Extra Doses
If you find that you have a tendency to accidentally take an extra pill, there are several strategies you can employ to help prevent it from happening again:
- Integrate into a routine: Pair taking your pill with a daily activity, such as brushing your teeth or preparing for bed.
- Utilize a reminder app: Set an alarm on your phone or use a dedicated medication reminder app that helps track your doses.
- Keep the pack visible: Placing your pill pack in a prominent location can assist you in remembering if you've already taken your pill for the day.
- Mark a calendar: Use a physical calendar or a digital calendar app to indicate each day after you've taken your pill.
Conclusion
In summary, if you have accidentally taken two desogestrel pills, there is generally no cause for concern. The extra dose is not considered dangerous and is unlikely to cause any serious or long-term health issues. You may experience some mild and temporary effects, such as nausea or spotting, but these should pass quickly. The best course of action is to simply continue your regular pill schedule and monitor for any unusual symptoms. If you have any significant concerns, or if symptoms are severe or persistent, always consult a healthcare professional. For more information on birth control and proper usage, resources like the NHS website can be helpful.
