Ask Ella: Nausea after morning after pill: what do I do?

Feeling sick after taking ellaOne® is common, and it’s natural to worry. You’re probably wondering whether nausea is expected and if vomiting affects the pill’s effectiveness. The first thing to remember is: stay calm. Experiencing some side effects doesn’t always mean the pill hasn’t worked, and there are clear steps you can take to make sure you’re still protected.

While nausea is a common side effect of the morning after pill, the real question is whether you are actually sick. For ellaOne® to work, the active ingredient needs enough time to be absorbed into your bloodstream. That’s why medical guidance focuses on the three-hour window.

Your immediate next step depends entirely on when you were sick. It’s always best to contact a sexual health clinic straight away so they can advise you based on your personal situation.

Scenario 1: you threw up within the 3-hour window

What to do: Take another dose of ellaOne® as quickly as possible, as the first pill likely didn’t make it into your system.

Scenario 2: you threw up after 3 hours

What to do: The tablet is usually absorbed by now, and a repeat dose is not necessary. If you’re still feeling unwell, speak to a doctor or pharmacist to confirm.

Scenario 3: What if I can’t get another ellaOne®?

If the pharmacy has another type of morning after pill, a healthcare professional can advise whether it’s suitable to take, or if a copper IUD is a better option. Always tell them:

• Which pill you took first and 
• When you vomited

 Never ever take a second dose of a different pill without professional guidance.

Does the morning after pill make you vomit? Nausea and vomiting are common side effects for ellaOne®.

Simple ways to manage nausea

If you’re concerned about feeling sick, here are a few steps to help keep the pill down:

• Try taking the pill with food: you can take ellaOne® at any time of the day, but if you’re worried about nausea, taking the pill with food could help.
• Eat light meals: go for bland, plain foods and avoid spicy, fried, or anything greasy
• Stay hydrated: sip on cold water or ginger tea, which can help ease symptoms

Rest: Avoid lying down immediately after eating and rest if you feel dizzy

Once the immediate dose issue is resolved, you’ll need to think about next steps, including future contraception options and your overall health.

In the meantime, use condoms, until your next period.

The Copper IUD

There is still a reliable, non-oral alternative if you’re worried. It can be fitted up to five days after unprotected sex.

When to contact a healthcare professional

If you have any of the following, make sure you speak to the doctor:

• Severe or persistent symptoms: especially if they last for more than a few days
• Signs of allergic reaction: including difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, or a severe rash

Period is very late: either more than five to seven days late, unusually light or heavy, or you have severe abdominal pain

The main takeaway is to act fast. If you vomit after taking the morning after pill within three hours, you need a repeat dose. Vomiting after three hours is unlikely to affect its effectiveness, but you should still speak with a pharmacist or GP if you’re unsure or feeling unwell. 

1. What if I am not sure if it was within 3 hours?

Always be cautious. If you’re unsure whether you vomited before or after the 3-hour mark, speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice regarding next steps.

 2. I took a repeat dose. What should I expect from my period?

Taking a repeat dose can significantly alter your hormone levels, which may make your next period early, late, lighter, or heavier than usual. Use condoms until your period starts and take a pregnancy test if it’s more than a week late.

References:

1. https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/nausea-from-birth-control-pills