Forgetting to take your birth control pills is one of the major causes of pregnancy while using this form of contraception. We invite you to use our app reminder function to make sure you do not forget in the future and use another form of contraceptives in the meantime to avoid pregnancy.
If you missed 1 hormonal pill (by 24–48 hours) or if you are simply late taking 1 pill (for less than 24 hours), you should:
- Take the late or missed pill as soon as possible.
- Continue taking the remaining pills at the usual
time (even if it means taking two pills on the
same day). - No additional contraceptive protection
needed. - Emergency contraception is not usually needed
but can be considered if hormonal pills were
missed earlier in the cycle
If you missed 2 or more consecutive hormonal
pills (more than 48 hours have passed since you
took a pill), you should:
- Take the most recent missed pill as soon as
possible (discarding any other missed pills) - Continue taking your pills on schedule (even
if it means taking a second pill on the day you
remembered to get back on track). - Use back-up contraception (e.g., condoms) or
avoid sexual intercourse until you have taken
the hormonal pills for 7 consecutive days. - If the pills you missed were in the last week of
hormonal pills (e.g., days 15–21 for a 28-day pill
packs):
Medical Information Disclaimer:
This information and content is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or services to you or to any other individual. It is for providing general information for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or professional care.
Sources:
[1] UpToDate – Missed Pill