Vomiting and Pill Absorption Time

[celica2003]

Dear Scarleteen,
I'm on Gildess as a low dose combination birth control pill. Last night I vomited almost exactly 3 hours after taking my pill. Would this have compromised my effectiveness or should the pill have absorbed by then?

[Redskies]

Your pill should be absorbed by 3 hours after taking it, but given you're talking about 3 hours here, it does no harm to make sure. What does your pill information leaflet say about the amount of time between taking a pill and vomiting? That's probably your best source of information. If it's not clear or you're not sure about what it says, a pharmacist would be a good person to check with.

[celica2003]

My leaflet just says "if you have vomiting or diarrhea for any reason your pill might not work as well" and to use a backup until checking with a doctor or pharmacist. It doesn't specify a time limit. we always use condoms as backup so using a second method is not a problem, but because we like the dual protection I just like being as educated as possible about my pill. Also thank you for the information and I will definitely ask a pharmacist.