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

• Body as a whole
  o Excessive vaginal bleeding
  o Breast tenderness
  o Discoloration of urine
  
• Skin
  o Rash
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Nausea and vomiting
  
• Nervous system
  o Headache
  o Drowsiness
  o Mental changes
  

Home Treatment
Discontinue the birth control pills. The poisoning is unlikely to be life threatening, but if an overdose has occurred call Poison Control for further instructions.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information: