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Warning-sign checks

Birth control pill overdose: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Discuss whether temporary barrier protection or emergency contraception is appropriate if pregnancy prevention may have been interrupted.

    Call emergency services for collapse, seizure, difficulty breathing, inability to wake, severe chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or signs of stroke.

    These are emergency symptoms rather than reasons to wait for a routine appointment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for repeated vomiting, inability to drink, worsening abdominal pain, faintness, unusual drowsiness, or concerning bleeding.

    Heavy bleeding may include soaking through pads rapidly, passing large clots, or feeling weak or faint.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    After a minor exposure, a poison specialist may advise routine monitoring without an office visit.

    Nausea and breast tenderness should improve as the hormones leave the body.

    Spotting or vaginal bleeding may occur several days later.

    Contact a healthcare professional for routine follow-up if symptoms do not improve, bleeding continues, or there are questions about restarting the pill.

    Follow-up is also important if vomiting may have prevented usual doses from being absorbed or if the current pack no longer contains enough active pills.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

The article also says

Ask a pharmacist or prescribing clinician how to continue the specific pill.

Instructions vary between combined pills and progestin-only pills, and between brands.

Store birth control pills in their original labeled package, out of sight and reach of children.

A locked location is safest when young children are present.

A daily reminder or pill organizer designed for the medication can help prevent accidental repeat doses, but the original package should remain available for identification.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Birth control pill overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.