What Should You Do If You Vomit After Taking I-Pill?

If you vomit within 2 hours of taking I-Pill, the tablet may not have been fully absorbed, and the dose may need to be repeated. Contact a pharmacist or doctor promptly for guidance. If vomiting happens after 2 hours, the pill has usually been absorbed and no repeat dose is needed.

For more information, see vomiting after i pill.

What Is I-Pill?

I-Pill is a brand name for levonorgestrel, a progestin-only emergency contraceptive pill. It is taken after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to reduce the chance of pregnancy.

It is not a regular contraceptive and should not be used as a routine birth control method.

How Does I-Pill Work?

I-Pill works mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation. If ovulation has not yet happened, the pill can stop the egg from being released, preventing fertilisation.

If ovulation has already happened, I-Pill is less effective, as it cannot stop a sperm from fertilising an egg that has already been released.

Why Does Vomiting Matter?

If you vomit within 2 hours of taking I-Pill, there is a chance the tablet was not fully absorbed into your system. This can reduce its effectiveness, as the full dose may not have reached your bloodstream.

If vomiting happens after 2 hours, the pill has usually been absorbed and is working as intended. No repeat dose is needed in this case.

What Should You Do If You Vomit Within 2 Hours?

If you vomit within 2 hours of taking I-Pill, take these steps.

Contact a Pharmacist or Doctor Promptly

Reach out to a pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible for guidance on whether the dose needs to be repeated. They can assess your situation and advise on the best next step.

Repeat the Dose If Advised

If the pharmacist or doctor advises repeating the dose, take another I-Pill as directed. Do not take an extra dose on your own without professional advice.

Consider an Alternative Emergency Contraceptive

If vomiting is a recurring issue or you are unable to keep the pill down, a copper IUD (within 5 days of unprotected sex) may be a more suitable option. This is a highly effective form of emergency contraception and does not depend on absorption through the stomach.

What If You Vomit After 2 Hours?

If vomiting happens more than 2 hours after taking I-Pill, the tablet has usually been absorbed and is working as intended. No repeat dose is needed.

However, if you are unsure or have concerns, it is always best to consult a pharmacist or doctor for reassurance.

How Can You Prevent Vomiting After I-Pill?

Taking I-Pill with food or a small snack can sometimes reduce nausea and the chance of vomiting. Staying hydrated and avoiding lying down immediately after taking the pill can also help.

If you know you are prone to nausea with medications, taking an anti-nausea medication (like ondansetron) about 30 minutes before I-Pill may help, though this should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist first.

What Are the Other Side Effects of I-Pill?

Besides vomiting, common side effects of I-Pill include:

• Nausea or dizziness

• Headache

• Tiredness

• Breast tenderness

• Lower abdominal pain or cramps

• Spotting or irregular bleeding

These are usually mild and pass within a few days. Severe or lasting symptoms should not be assumed to be normal side effects and need medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you vomit within 2 hours of taking I-Pill and are unsure what to do, or if you experience severe abdominal pain, fainting, or very heavy bleeding, seek medical care promptly.

If your period is more than 7 days late after taking I-Pill, take a home pregnancy test and consult a doctor if needed.

Dr. Aravind’s IVF – Madurai

Dr. Aravind’s IVF provides compassionate, judgment-free fertility care, including pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and support for women with concerns about emergency contraception. The team reviews your medical history and personal goals to create a tailored plan.