What happens if you take too many contraceptive pills?
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What's the lowdown?
If you take 2 or 3 contraceptive pills in one day, this isn’t likely to cause any problems
You may have side effects including irregular bleeding or bloating
If you have taken more than 3 contraceptive pills in one day, please speak to a healthcare professional
Taking more than the recommended dose of any type of tablet could harm your health
Can I take more than 1 contraceptive pill a day?
If you have missed a contraceptive pill (either a combined or progestogen-only pill), you might be recommended to take one as soon as you remember. This could mean you take 2 pills in one day.
If you’ve accidentally taken 2 pills in a day, this isn’t a problem and is unlikely to cause any harm.
What would happen if I took more than 3 contraceptive pills in a day?
Even if you take 3 or 4 contraceptive pills in 24 hours, it’s unlikely to cause you harm. In fact, a research article found that 54 people were admitted to hospital in Sri Lanka after taking an overdose of oral contraceptive pills. Thankfully, none of these patients became severely unwell and 2 thirds of them were discharged on the same day.
Interestingly, during times of HRT shortages, some women were even advised to take 3 Noriday pills a day as part of their HRT regimen.
However, taking more pills than you should might cause side effects including irregular bleeding, nausea and vomiting due to the fluctuation in hormones. You should always speak to a healthcare professional if you’re worried.
If you have intentionally taken more pills than you should
If you have taken more pills than have been prescribed on purpose or to harm yourself, then please seek help. You should call 999 or attend A&E if you have taken an overdose. If you are having thoughts of taking an overdose, please ring 111, your own GP or go to A&E. You are not alone and there is help out there.
Dr Fran Yarlett
Dr Fran is Medical Director at The Lowdown and works as a GP in Sheffield with a special interest in complex medical patients and women’s health.
Our medical review process
This article has been medically reviewed for factual and up to date information by a Lowdown doctor.
