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Birth Control

Missed dose of birth control pill - what to do

Anytime you miss a dose (or doses) of your oral contraceptive medication, you may experience abnormal bleeding during that menstrual cycle. If you are on a 28 -day prescription and missed a dose in the 21 – 28 day range, you are fine. These tablets are actually “inert” – they don’t contain any active ingredient. The only reason to be concerned if you missed on these days, is that you may have a pattern of not remembering, could it be that there were other missed days? Make sure you double-check.

The following chart is a guide for other missed dose scenarios. Your health care provider is the best source of guidance on prescribed medication, and this is by no means a substitute for their expert advice:

# of pills missed Suggestion

1 If you remember the same day, then take the missed dose immediately. If you remember the next day, take 2 tablets on that day and then go back to 1 tablet per day.

2 Take 2 tablets for 2 days, then return to 1 tablet per day. Use another method of birth control, in addition to the oral contraceptive, for the rest of the menstrual cycle.

3 or more Consult your health care provider immediately, especially if there was sexual activity without use of a condom.
(click here to learn more about emergency contraception)

Discontinue this packet of oral contraceptives, use an alternative birth control method until your period comes or pregnancy is ruled out by testing.