Birth control pills overdose

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Birth control pills overdose

Definition

Birth control poisoning is an overdose of oral contraceptive pills.

Poisonous Ingredient

Most birth control pills fall under one of the following combinations of estrogen and progestin:

Ethynodiol diacetate and ethinyl estradiol
Ethynodiol diacetate and mestranol
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol
Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol
Norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol
Mestranol and norethindrone
Mestranol and norethynodrel
Norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol

Some birth control pills contain progestin only, such as:

Norethindrone
Norgestrel

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Where Found

Ethinyl estradiol and ethynodiol diacetate (Demulen)
Mestranol and ethynodiol diacetate (Ovulen)
Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol (Nordette, Tri- Levlen, Triphasil)
Norethindrone (Micronor, Nor-Q.D.)
Norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol (Loestrin, Norlestrin)
Norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol (Brevicon, Ortho-Novum 1/35, Modicon, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Ovcon)
Mestranol and norethindrone (Ortho-Novum 1/50)
Mestranol and norethynodrel (Enovid)
Norgestrel (Ovrette)
Norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol (Lo/Ovral, Ovral)

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Excessive vaginal bleeding (2-7 days following the overdose)
Breast tenderness
Discoloration of urine
Rash
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Drowsiness
Mental changes

Home Care

Stop using the birth control pills. The poisoning is unlikely to be life threatening, but if an overdose occurs call Poison Control for further instructions.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
When it was swallowed
The amount swallowed
If the medication was prescribed for the patient

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

Blood tests
EKG (electrocardiogram)
Medicines to treat symptoms
Methods to make the person throw up
Activated charcoal
A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Note: A trip to the emergency room will probably not be necessary.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Serious symptoms are very unlikely.

Review Date: 2/28/2006
Reviewed By: Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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