Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DABOM
Summary:
- Accidentally taking two birth control pills on the same day is generally not harmful due to the short half-life of synthetic hormones like progestin, which are quickly metabolized by the body.
- Birth control pills work by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. Examples include Ortho-Tri Cyclen lo®, Sprintec®, and Yasmin®.
- Potential side effects from taking extra pills can be uncomfortable but usually resolve on their own. They include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.
- It may be safe to continue your regular birth control schedule after accidentally taking extra pills, but frequently missing or taking extra doses may require consultation with a healthcare provider.
Taking more than one birth control pill on the same day isn’t usually cause for concern
Birth control pills are a reliable and effective way to lower your pregnancy risk, but like all medications, they should be taken as directed for the best results. If you accidentally take more than one pill in a day, it’s natural to worry about potential side effects or how it might affect your health.
Fortunately, taking two pills on the same day usually isn’t harmful. Below, we’ll explain why this sometimes happens and what steps you should take if it does.
Quick facts about how birth control pills work
Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones—usually a combination of synthetic estrogen and progestin, or sometimes progestin alone—that regulate your body’s natural menstrual cycle. These hormones work by:
- Preventing ovulation
- Thickening cervical mucus to block sperm
- Thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation
Examples of birth control pills that work this way include:
Why taking more than one birth control pill is usually safe
It’s natural to be careful about any medication that impacts your hormones, but taking more than one birth control pill on the same day typically doesn’t cause any serious health issues. Here’s why it’s generally safe:
Progestin has a relatively short half-life, meaning it doesn’t stay in your bloodstream for very long. This means taking an extra dose of birth control won’t change your hormone balance for an extended period.
In most cases, the extra hormones will simply be metabolized and excreted by your body over time—usually within a day or two. As a result, taking two pills in one day is unlikely to cause long-term effects, although the side effects may be uncomfortable, and different people may experience severe side effects in some cases.
Potential side effects from taking too many birth control pills
Birth control pills are generally not highly toxic—in fact, a study on 54 people who took birth control pills to try poisoning themselves in Sri Lanka showed that none of them got severely sick, and more than two thirds were discharged within a day of going to the hospital.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening mental health crisis or related situation, call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room. If you are having suicidal thoughts or urges, please consider calling or texting 998 to connect with a trained crisis counsellor for confidential 24/7 support.
Although taking two birth control pills in one day is generally safe, you might experience some mild side effects from the extra hormones. These are the same for both progestin-only and combination birth control pills that contain both synthetic estrogen and progestin. They might include:
- Feeling ill
- Vomiting
- Vaginal bleeding
Remember: the side effects of birth control pills are usually temporary and not harmful, but they can be uncomfortable. There is potential for an increased risk of blood clots from too much estrogen, although this is rare. Try your best to take your medication on schedule and as directed by your healthcare provider.
General side effects of birth control pills
Even taking the right amount of birth control pills comes with some side effects, so there’s nothing to be alarmed about if you notice any of these after accidentally double-dosing. Potential side effects include:
- Nausea: You might feel ill or sick to your stomach. Taking your medication in the evening instead of during the day might help with this.
- Headaches: You might experience temporary pain in your head.
- Abdominal cramping: Your stomach might hurt as your body processes the extra hormones.
- Breast tenderness: You might notice that your breasts feel more sensitive than usual.
- Increased vaginal discharge: This could happen more often if you
- Decreased libido: Your sex drive could be lower until your regular hormone levels are reestablished.
These symptoms are common responses to higher doses of synthetic hormones and are usually mild. They should go away on their own within a day or two as your body adjusts. If the symptoms persist or become severe, it’s a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider.
Adjusting your birth control schedule
Typically, taking two pills in one day is not a reason to change your birth control schedule. Stick to your regular schedule and take one pill each day at the same time so that your hormone levels remain stable and the pill continues to be effective.
However, if you find that you’re frequently forgetting to take your pills or accidentally doubling up on pills multiple times, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you explore options such as:
- Switching to a different type of birth control (e.g., the patch, implant, or IUD) that doesn’t require daily management.
- Using a pill reminder app to help you stay on track with your birth control schedule.
Your provider may also be able to tell you whether you need emergency contraception if you’ve missed multiple pills in your cycle (although this usually isn’t required if you’ve just doubled up on a single day).
Find birth control support with Lemonaid Health
Birth control makes life easier for many women, but it can also create confusion and uncertainty if you don’t stick to your regular schedule. Fortunately, accidentally taking two pills on the same day is unlikely to put you in danger—although it does mean you’ll run out of pills faster, which can be annoying.
If you experience any unwanted or unusual effects while taking birth control pills, the right thing to do is contact a healthcare professional who can advise you on what to do next. This is the best way to ensure that you stay safe and have the best possible protection against unwanted pregnancy.
Lemonaid Health can help by putting you in touch with US-based medical professionals via discrete online consultations. Have your questions about different birth control options answered by experts, and make informed decisions about which one you use. We can also provide prescriptions and deliveries of appropriate birth control medications in clinically indicated cases. Get started today and find the birth control support you deserve.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen® Lo is the registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson Corporation. Sprintec® is a registered trademark of Barr Laboratories, Inc. Yasmin® is a registered trademark of Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH.
