Women’s health · FAQ
How should I take Birth control daily pills and start my first pack?
Short answer
Take Birth control exactly as your prescribing physician and label direct, usually one pill daily at the same time. Follow the pack in order and start each new pack on schedule. Ask when to begin your first pack and whether you need condoms or another backup method.
Follow your prescribing physician’s directions and the label for your exact Birth control pill. Usually, you take one pill each day at the same time. A phone reminder or a daily routine can help you remember. Keep the pack where you can access it without exposing it to heat or moisture.
Take the pills in the order shown on the pack. Some packs contain inactive reminder pills. Others have a different schedule. Do not add a pill-free break or delay the next pack unless your instructions say to do so.
Your start date and need for backup birth control depend on the pill type, your menstrual cycle, and your recent contraception use. Ask your prescriber whether pregnancy testing or emergency contraception is needed before starting if you recently had sex without protection.
Birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms can lower that risk. If vomiting or severe diarrhea affects a dose, check the label and contact your pharmacist for instructions.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.
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