How to Make Up for a Missed Birth Control Pill

Many women depend on oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, to prevent undesired pregnancies. With this method, the woman has to remember to take a pill every day and it is not uncommon to forget a pill. Remembering how to make up for missed pills can be confusing. However, there are certain guidelines that tell you how to make up for missed pills and get back on track.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. If you miss one active pill during your cycle, simply take the pill as soon as you remember, and take your next pill at its regular time. Active pills are the pills which actually contain hormones, and will consist of first three weeks of pills in the pack. This may mean that you take two pills in one day. You do not have to use a back-up method of birth control.

2. If you miss two active pills during the first or second week of your cycle, take two pills on the day that you remember and take two pills the following day. Continue taking one pill a day until you have finished the pack. You will also need to use a back-up method of birth control for seven days.

3. If you miss two active pills during the third week of your cycle, the method you follow will vary slightly, depending upon whether you are a “Sunday Starter” or a “Day One” starter. If you are a “Sunday Starter,” continue taking one pill a day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of that pack, and start a new pack of pills as you usually would. If you are a “Day One” starter, throw out the rest of the pack on the day you remember, and start a new pack that same day. In either case, use a back-up method of birth control for the next seven days.

4. If you miss three active pills at any point during the first three weeks of your cycle, if you are a “Sunday Starter ” keep taking one pill a day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out that pack and begin a new pack. If you are a “Day One” starter, on the day that you remember, throw out the old pack and start a new pack that same day. In either case, use a back-up method of birth control for the next seven days.

5. If you are ever unsure of what to do about a missed pill, keep taking one active pill a day until you can reach your healthcare provider and make sure to use a back-up method of birth control any time you have sexual intercourse.

6. If you miss two or more pills and have to “double up” on pills, you may not have a period that month. If you miss more than one period, or think you may be pregnant, see your healthcare provider immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• When you are prescribed birth control pills, you should also receive a leaflet from the manufacturer containing instructions. Make sure you read this information and keep these instructions in a safe place. Refer to this sheet whenever you have questions about the birth control you are taking. In addition to advising you on what to do if you miss pills, this sheet should also inform you of possible side effects or other important warnings to be aware of when using oral contraceptives.
• The use of the birth control pill does not prevent HIV or other STDs. It is important to use a latex condom to help protect yourself from these infections.

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