Alcohol and the Pill: Can You Drink on the Contraceptive Pill?

Reviewed by Usama Ali, MPharm (GPhC: 2224726). Last reviewed: October 2026.

If you take the contraceptive pill, and you enjoy the occasional drink, you may be wondering whether you can still drink alcohol and whether doing so could make your contraception less effective.

Here's what you need to know about alcohol and the pill, including what to do if you vomit after taking your contraception.

Can you take the pill and drink alcohol?

Yes, you can generally take the pill and drink alcohol. Alcohol itself does not cancel out the hormones in either the combined contraceptive pill or the mini pill.

This means having an alcoholic drink does not automatically make your contraception less effective.

The main concern is what can happen as a result of drinking. For example, consuming too much alcohol could make you more likely to forget to take your pill at the correct time or to vomit before your body has fully absorbed it.

Can alcohol make the pill less effective?

Alcohol does not directly make the pill less effective, but it can have an indirect impact.

For example, drinking alcohol could increase the likelihood of:

• Forgetting to take your pill
• Taking your pill later than you should
• Vomiting after taking your pill
• Forgetting to start your next pack at the correct time

If you know you're going to be drinking, setting an alarm for your usual pill time can be a simple way to help you stay on track.

For the other things that can affect your protection, read how effective is the contraceptive pill?

What happens if you are sick after taking the pill?

If alcohol makes you vomit after taking your pill, your body may not have had enough time to absorb the hormones.

For the combined pill, NHS guidance states that if you vomit less than 3 hours after taking your pill, you should take another pill straight away. For certain combined pills, including Qlaira and Zoely, this window is up to 4 hours.

The rules for the mini pill depend on which type you take. It may not work properly if you vomit within 2 hours of taking a traditional progestogen-only pill, or within 3 to 4 hours of taking a desogestrel or drospirenone pill.

If you're unsure which type you take, check the information leaflet supplied with your medication or speak to a pharmacist. Our guide to vomiting, diarrhoea and the pill lists the timings for each type.

What if you forget your pill after drinking?

If you've been drinking and realise you've forgotten your pill, don't panic. What you need to do depends on the type of pill you use and how late you are taking it.

Check the missed pill instructions that come with your medication and follow the guidance for your specific pill. Our guide on what to do if you miss a pill covers each type, and the missed pill tool gives advice for your pill.

Depending on the circumstances, you may need to use additional contraception or consider emergency contraception. If you're unsure whether you're still protected, speak to a pharmacist or another healthcare professional for advice.

Does alcohol affect the morning-after pill?

You may also be wondering about alcohol and the morning after pill.

Drinking alcohol does not directly stop the emergency contraceptive pill from working. However, vomiting after taking it can affect whether the medication has been properly absorbed.

There are different types of emergency contraceptive pill, so if you're sick after taking one, contact a pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice about whether you need another dose.

Emergency contraception should also be taken as soon as appropriate following unprotected sex. Depending on the type, emergency contraceptive pills need to be taken within either 3 days (72 hours) or 5 days (120 hours). The sooner emergency contraception is used, the more effective it generally is.

Contraception Direct does not supply emergency contraception. You can get it free from most pharmacies, GP surgeries and sexual health clinics, or call NHS 111 for advice. Read more about the morning-after pill vs the regular pill.

Tips for drinking alcohol while taking the pill

You don't need to avoid alcohol simply because you take the contraceptive pill, but a little planning can help you continue taking your contraception correctly.

Try to take your pill at your normal time rather than delaying it until after you've finished drinking. Setting a phone reminder can also help, particularly if you're going out or your usual routine is changing.

If you do forget a pill or become sick after taking it, check the instructions for your particular contraceptive rather than assuming you're still protected.

So, can you drink alcohol on the pill?

Yes. Alcohol does not directly interfere with the contraceptive pill or stop its hormones from working.

The main risks come from missing your pill or vomiting before it has been properly absorbed. Taking your pill at the correct time and knowing what to do if you're sick can help you maintain your protection.

If you're ever unsure whether your contraception is still effective, speak to a pharmacist for personalised advice. At Contraception Direct, our contraception specialist pharmacists can also help you find a pill that fits your routine, with free NHS supply posted in discreet packaging.

This information is for general guidance only and does not replace advice from a clinician, pharmacist, or doctor. A clinician will review your consultation before any medication is supplied.