What should a woman do if she develops nausea on the combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP)?
Nausea is a common side effect during the first few months of combined OCP use. Taking the pill with food or at bedtime will often minimize this symptom. For some women, crushing the pill and taking it mixed with food may be helpful. If nausea occurs in a long-time pill user, pregnancy or other causes must be excluded. Vomiting with combined OCP use is rare. If vomiting does occur a combined OCP with a lower estrogen content may be better tolerated.
