What to do if you miss a pill

The combined pill is a contraceptive pill that you take everyday at the same time for 21 days, then you usually take a break for 4 or 7 days before taking the pills again. Some types of combined pill don’t require a break and come with dummy (inactive) pills, for example Microgynon. It is also possible to take the combined pill continuously without a break, but you should discuss with your doctor about it first.

The combined pill should be taken in order and ideally at the same time each day. If you miss a pill, what you should do depends on how many pills you have missed and the amount of time since your last pill.

I’ve missed 1 pill

If you are late taking 1 pill (by less than 24 hours) or if you have missed 1 pill by no more than 24 to 48 hours, you should:

• take your late or missed pill as soon as you can
• continue your normal pill schedule, this means taking your next pill at your usual time – it is okay to take two pills in the same day to make up for the pill you missed
• not need to use an additional contraceptive method, such as condoms

I’ve missed more than one pill

If you have missed more than one pill back to back in your schedule (48 hours or more have passed since your last pill) you may need to take additional precautions as you could be less protected from pregnancy. You should:

• take your most recently missed pill as soon as you remember – throw away any other pills you have missed earlier if these were not missed back to back
• resume your normal schedule of pills – take your next pill and the rest of the pack as you would if you had not forgotten any, even if this means taking two pills in one day
• use additional contraception – for example, like condoms for the next 7 days, or avoid having sex until you’re back on your normal pill schedule for 7 days in a row

You should also check how many pills are left when you come to the end of your pill schedule. If you have:

Less than seven pills left

Finish the pack including these leftover pills, but then start a new pack straight away the next day, skipping your inactive dummy pills or missing your scheduled 7-day pill break.

Seven or more pills left

You should finish the pack and take each of these pills, then take your inactive dummy pills or have your 7-day pill break as you normally would at the end of a pack.

Missing a mini pill (progestogen-only pill) can be stressful, especially if you have recently had unprotected sex. The mini pill needs to be taken at the same time each day to ensure its effectiveness.

There are two different types of the mini pill:

• a 3-hour progestogen-only pill that needs to be taken within 3 hours of the same time each day
• a 12-hour desogestrel (progestogen-only) pill that can be taken within 12 hours of the same time each day

Here is what to do if you miss a mini pill of each kind:

I’m taking a 3-hour pill (Norgeston or Noriday)

To make sure it’s as effective as possible, these pills should be taken within 3 hours of the same time you usually take it every day:

• If you miss a pill and are less than 3 hours late taking your pill, you should take the missed pill straight away. Continue taking your pills at the usual time. Your protection against pregnancy should not be affected.
• If you miss a pill and are more than 3 hours late or you have missed more than one pill you may not be protected from pregnancy. In this case, skip the missed pill then continue to take your pills at the usual time. You’ll need to use additional non-hormonal contraception, like condoms, for 7 days if you have sex.

I’m taking a 12-hour pill (Cerazette or Cerelle)

The 12-hour mini pill contains the progesterone desogestrel. It should be taken every day in the same 12 hour time period to ensure maximum effectiveness:

• If you miss a pill and are less than 12 hours late, take it as soon as you remember and take the next pill at your usual time.
• If you miss a pill and are more than 12 hours late, take the next pill at your usual time. Use extra contraception, such as condoms, for the next 7 days.

If you don’t know whether you take a combined pill or a mini pill (progestogen-only) then you can find out by checking the packaging your medication comes in or searching the name of your medication online. If you have misplaced it you should try to contact your prescriber.

If you can’t find your medications packet or the patient information leaflet then a good general rule is to keep taking your pill once a day while also using a backup method like condoms when you have sex until you have been taking the pill for 7 days consecutively.

It is a good idea to find out which contraceptive pill you take because knowing which type of pill you’re on will help you to be prepared and to know what to do in case you forget to take it.

Remembering to take your pill everyday and at the right time each day can be challenging. If you are struggling to remember to take your pill, here are some tips that make it easier. You could try:

• setting an alarm – many people find that setting alarms or reminders on a phone helps to stop them forgetting
• making it part of your daily routine – integrate taking the pill everyday into your routine by combining it with something else you do at the same time everyday, for example taking it after brushing your teeth in the morning or before bed at night
• leaving notes for yourself – for example, on the fridge or a mirror

If none of these tips work for you and you find that you are still forgetting to take your pill often, then you might want to consider switching to an alternative contraceptive method. Contraceptive methods like the implant or the coil are long-lasting options that you may prefer to taking a pill everyday. The coil is a non-hormonal contraceptive option.

The contraceptive injection is another alternative which can be injected monthly by a doctor or nurse. We have a guide on contraceptive options, which you can check out for further information.

Ultimately, it is good to be prepared and informed about what to do if you do forget to take your pill. Your patient information leaflet or this guide will help.