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What do I do if I forget to take my birth control pills?

The answer depends on the type of birth control pill you take, how many pills you miss, and what time in your monthly cycle you miss them.

For combination birth control pills—those that contain both estrogen and progestin hormones—follow this advice:

If you miss one pill any time during the cycle, take the missed pill immediately. Then take your next pill at the regular time. You do not need to use a second method of birth control if you only miss one pill.

If you miss two pills during the first two weeks of your cycle, take two pills a day for the next two days. Then continue to take your birth control pills at your regular time. You may become pregnant if you have sex during the seven days after you miss taking two pills. Use a second method of birth control (for example: condoms, >spermicide, or a combination of both) for at least seven days, or, to be extra cautious, until you have used the rest of the birth control pack.

If you miss two pills during the third week of your cycle, take one birth control pill daily until you finish the first 21 pills in your pack (the active hormone pills). Then throw out any remaining pills and start a new pack of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control (for example: condoms, spermicide, or a combination of both) while you finish the first birth control pill pack or for at least seven days, whichever is longest.

If you miss three or more pills at anytime during the first three weeks, take one birth control pill daily until you are finished with the first 21 pills in your pack (the active hormone pills). Then throw out any remaining pills and start a new pack of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control (for example: condoms, spermicide, or a combination of both) while you finish the first birth control pill pack or for at least seven days, whichever is longest.

If you are taking progestin-only birth control pills—also known as minipills—you should take special precautions whenever you take your pill more than three hours late or when you miss one or more pills. If any of these events happen, take a missed pill as soon as you remember. Then take the next pill at your regular time. Use a second method of birth control (for example: condoms, spermicide, or a combination of both) every time you have intercourse for the next 48 hours.

Sources:
Contraceptive Technology. Ardent Media, 1998.
Dickey, R.P. Managing Contraceptive Pill Patients. EMIS Inc., 1998.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex Inc., 2006.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts& Comparisons, 2006.

This answer prepared 3/21/2000.
This information reviewed 11/15/2006.

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