Emergency Contraceptive Pill: What to Do If You Miss a Dose?

Pre-existing conditions

Hello doctor, I have been taking the contraceptive pill for over a year, always finishing it on Friday and starting the next pack the following Saturday.
This month, I forgot to take it on Saturday, but I remembered on Sunday and took the Saturday dose along with the Sunday dose.
Is there still contraceptive effectiveness for this month?

Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/04/01

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, if you forget to take your oral contraceptive for one day, it is best to take the missed pill as soon as possible within twelve hours.
You should continue to take the regular pill for that day (taking two pills that day).
If you forget to take the pill for two consecutive days, you should take two pills each day for those two days, and then continue taking one pill daily until the entire pack is finished.
If you miss three days or more, the contraceptive effect for that month is no longer effective.
You should stop taking the remaining pills and wait a few days for your menstrual period to start.
From the first day (or the fifth day) of your period, you should start a new pack of oral contraceptives.
When taken correctly, oral contraceptives can achieve a 99% effectiveness rate.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2018/04/01

More Info

When it comes to missing a dose of your oral contraceptive, it's important to understand how to manage the situation effectively to maintain contraceptive efficacy. Based on your description, you have been consistently taking your birth control pill (likely a combined oral contraceptive) for over a year, and you missed a dose on Saturday but remembered to take it on Sunday along with the scheduled dose for that day.
In general, if you miss a single dose of your birth control pill, the recommendation is to take the missed pill as soon as you remember. If you remember on the same day, you can take both the missed pill and the scheduled pill together. This is exactly what you did by taking the Saturday pill on Sunday along with the Sunday pill.
Most combined oral contraceptives, including those like Mercilon, have a forgiving window for missed doses. If you miss one pill, taking it as soon as you remember usually maintains the contraceptive effectiveness. However, if you miss two or more pills, the situation becomes more complex, and additional precautions may be necessary.

Since you only missed one pill and took it the next day, your contraceptive protection should still be intact for that cycle. However, it’s crucial to follow the specific instructions provided with your medication, as different brands may have slightly different guidelines.
For added safety, especially if you have unprotected intercourse after missing a pill, consider using a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for the next seven days. This is particularly important if you missed the pill during the first week of your pack, as this is when the risk of ovulation is highest.

In your case, since you missed only one pill and took it the next day, you should not experience a significant reduction in contraceptive effectiveness. However, if you have any doubts or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Additionally, if you find yourself frequently forgetting to take your pill, you might want to consider alternative contraceptive methods that require less daily attention, such as the contraceptive patch, the ring, or an IUD. These methods can provide reliable contraception without the need for daily dosing, which may help alleviate the stress of missed pills.

In summary, since you missed only one dose and took it the next day, your contraceptive effectiveness should remain intact. However, always consult your healthcare provider for tailored advice and to discuss any concerns regarding your contraceptive method.

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