The Pill and If You Forget

IF you forget ONE active combination pill:
     Take it as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at the usual time. (This means you may take two pills in one day.) Finish that series and start the next pack on time.

IF you forget TWO active combination pills in a row in the first two weeks:
     Take two pills on the day you remember. Then take two pills on the next day. Take one pill every day until the pack is finished. Use a back up method for seven days after the pills are skipped. Call your clinician if you do not get your period.

IF you forget TWO active combination pills in a row in the third week­ or you forget THREE or more active combination pills in a row during the first three weeks:

"SUNDAY STARTERS" Take one active pill every day until the next Sunday. Throw away the rest of the pack and start a new pack the same day (Sunday). Use a back up method for seven days after the pills are skipped. You may not have your period this month, but this is expected. Call your clinician if you do not get your period two months in a row.

"FIRST-DAY STARTERS" Throw away the rest of the pack. Start a new pack the same day. Use a back up method for seven days after the pills are skipped. You may not have your period this month, but this is expected. Call your clinician if you do not get your period two months in a row.

IF you forget ANY of the seven reminder pills in the fourth week
     Throw away the pills you missed. Take one of the remaining reminder pills each day until the pack is empty. Start the next pack on time.

IF you forget EVEN ONE progestin-only pill:
     Take it as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at the usual time. (This means you may take two pills in one day.) Continue to take the rest of the pack on schedule. Use a back up method of birth control for the rest of the month. Start the next pack on time.

If you are still not sure what to do about the pills you have missed:
     Use a back up method anytime you have vaginal intercourse. Take one active pill each day until you can talk with your clinician

     Missing pills can cause spotting or light bleeding - even if you make up the missed pills. You also may feel a little sick to your stomach when you take two pills to make up for missed pills.

STD's
The Pill
Staying On Schedule
Day Starters
Myths & Truths