Women’s health · FAQ
What should I do if I miss a Birth control daily pill?
Short answer
Check your Birth control label and contact your pharmacist or prescribing physician for missed-dose instructions. What to do depends on the pill type, how late it is, and how many active pills you missed. You may need backup protection or emergency contraception, so seek advice promptly.
Missed-dose instructions are not the same for every Birth control pill. Follow the instructions for your exact product and your prescribing physician’s advice. Combined pills and different progestin-only pills have different rules for how late a dose can be before extra precautions are needed.
Check whether you missed an active pill or an inactive reminder pill. Note the name of your pill, when you last took it, how many doses you missed, and where you are in the pack. Share this information with your pharmacist or prescriber. Do not assume that doubling up is always the right step.
Until you have clear instructions, use condoms or avoid sex that could lead to pregnancy. If you recently had sex without protection, ask promptly about emergency contraception. The choice of emergency contraception can affect when you should restart your regular pills.
Vomiting or severe diarrhea may also affect a dose. Ask whether missed-pill guidance applies and whether you need a pregnancy test later.
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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