claire asked
Last night, I took my birth control (Alesse) at 10 PM like I do everyday, but I had started drinking soon after and ending up taking too many shots of straight alcohol and threw everything up within the hour.It has been probably about 15 hours since then, and I was just wondering if there is anything I can do to keep myself protected? Maybe I could take two birth control pills tonight when I regularly take mine?
Answer
Alesse (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets) is a combined hormone birth control pill meaning that it contains both an estrogen and a progestin. Since birth control pills are taken by mouth, optimal absorption is necessary for the contraceptive effects. GI distress, diarrhea and vomiting can all alter how birth control pills are absorbed in our bodies.
According to the prescribing information, if you vomit within 4 hours of taking one of your birth control pills, you should consider the dose missed, and follow the instructions for what to do in the event of a missed dose.
Vomiting While Taking Birth Control Pills
Below are the instructions on missed doses for your birth control (due to vomiting within 4 hours):
- Take another active pill as soon as you can. Then, take your next pill at your regular time. This means you will be taking 2 pills in 1 day (i.e. the dose you vomited and the "make-up" dose).
If you are taking your "make-up" dose close to the time of your original dose, you are more likely than not still protected from pregnancy
If you are taking the the make-up dose more than a few hours from your normally scheduled time (15 hours in your case), the birth control pills may be less effective. Consistent dosing is key when it comes to the effectiveness of birth control pills. When not taken consistently, birth control pills may not be as effective, especially when dosing is inconsistent in the last week of active pills.
If doses of birth control are missed, or taken late, it is generally recommended to use a non-hormonal birth-control method (e.g. condoms) as a back-up until you have taken 7 days of active pills in a row if you are sexually active. You may also consider using emergency contraception, such as Plan B, for added assurance.
Note that the above directions are specific for the birth control Alesse, but is similar for most combined hormone birth control pills.
Summary
- If you vomit within 4 hours of taking your birth control pills, you should consider the dose "missed" and take another dose.
- It may be prudent to use back-up contraception (e.g. condoms) until you have taken 7 days in a row of active pills.
