Missed Birth Control Pill

In order for any birth control method to be effective, it must be taken as directed. This fact sheet describes the actions that you should take if you miss or start your birth control late. If you are having trouble remembering to take your pills, talk to a health care professional about other birth control options.

I missed one pill (I have taken a pill in the last 48 hours):

• No matter where you are in your pack, you pills should still be effective. Take a pill as soon as you remember, and continue to take a pill each day until the end of your pack.

I missed one or two pills (I have not taken a pill in the last 48 hours):

• Week 1 of the pack - Take one pill as soon as you remember and then continue taking one pill each day until the end of your pack. If you have had unprotected sex in the last 5 days and are concerned about unplanned pregnancy, consider taking Plan B. You should use a back-up method of birth control (condoms) for the next 7 days.
• Week 2 or 3 of the pack - Take one pill as soon as you remember and continue taking one pill a day until you finish the third week of pills. Throw away your fourth week of pills, do not wait a week, and start a new pack as soon as you finish week three.
• Week 4 of the pack- These are placebo pills; sometimes called sugar pills. They are there only to remind you when you need to start your next pack, so don't worry about missing them.

I missed three or more pills:

• Week 1 of the pack - Same instructions as when you miss one or more pills (see above).
• Week 2 or 3 of the pack - Take one pill as soon as you remember and continue taking one pill a day until you finish the third week of pills. Throw away your fourth week of pills, do not wait a week, and start a new pack as soon as you finish week three. If you have had unprotected sex in the last 5 days and are concerned about unplanned pregnancy, consider taking Plan B. You should use a back-up method of birth control (condom) for the next 7 days.
• Week 4 of the pack - Same instructions as when you miss one or more pills (see above).

If you are still not sure what to do, visit www.sexualityandu.ca and click on SOS: Stay on Schedule. Or call the KFL&A Public Health Sexual Health Information Line.

Reference: Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Missed hormonal contraceptives: new recommendations. November 2008.

Revised: 2011-12-05