The morning after pill, or emergency contraceptive pill, commonly causes mild and temporary side effects. The most frequently reported side effects include:
- Nausea[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]
- Headache[1][2][3][5][6][7][8]
- Tiredness or fatigue[1][2][5][6][7][8]
- Dizziness[1][2][5][6][8]
- Breast tenderness[1][5][8]
- Mild abdominal or period-like cramps[1][3][5][6][7][8]
- Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting[4][6][7]
Most side effects resolve on their own within a day or so[1][2][4]. If you experience vomiting within two hours of taking the pill, you may need to take another dose as the medication may not have been absorbed[1][3][4][5]. Severe cramps, persistent pain, or heavy bleeding should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider[1][7].
The morning after pill can also affect your menstrual cycle, resulting in your next period arriving up to one week earlier or later than usual. Occasionally, some individuals may notice heavier or lighter bleeding than normal[2][4][5][7].
Rare side effects include more pronounced cramping and vomiting. Other uncommon reactions are upper abdominal pain and back pain[1][5][6][8].
There are no long-term or serious side effects and no evidence that emergency contraception affects future fertility[4][6][7]. Most people tolerate the medication very well. If you are concerned or experience unexpected symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.
References
- [1] Understanding the Morning After Pill: 10 Things You Should Know
- [2] Emergency Contraception: Possible Side Effects – Healthline
- [3] Side effects of the emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill)
- [4] Emergency contraception – World Health Organization (WHO)
- [5] Emergency contraception – PMC
- [6] What are the side effects of emergency contraception? – IPPF
- [7] Morning After Pill: Emergency Contraception & Side Effects
- [8] Emergency contraception – Potential for women’s health – PMC
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