If you miss a birth control pill, what you should do depends on the type of pill you are taking and how many pills you have missed. Here are some general guidelines based on the type of pill you are on:
Combined Pill
- If you have missed 1 pill, take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if it means taking 2 pills in one day. Then continue taking the rest of the pack as normal. You do not need to use extra contraception.
- If you have missed 2 or more pills, take the last pill you missed, even if it means taking 2 in a day, and leave any earlier missed pills. Use extra contraception, such as condoms, for the next 7 days
Progestogen-only Pill
- If you are on a progestogen-only pill and you miss a pill, take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if it means taking 2 pills in one day. You do not need to use extra contraception
Slynd Pill
- If you miss 1 white hormone pill, take your missed pill as soon as possible, and then take your next pill when you were normally supposed to — that might mean taking 2 pills in 1 day. You don’t need backup birth control.
- If you miss 2 or more white pills, take the most recent pill that you missed as soon as possible, and keep taking 1 pill a day until you finish the pack. Use a backup method of birth control (like condoms) for the next 7 days
It's important to continue taking your pills on schedule and use back-up contraception if needed. If you are unsure what to do, you can consult the package insert from your contraceptive pills or contact a healthcare provider for advice
