Missed a Dose of Fertility Medication: What to Do Next? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Is it effective to take a missed dose of medication after skipping it for a day?


I took the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication.
On February 28th at 11 PM, I missed a dose.
I realized it at 3 AM on March 2nd, which is already over 24 hours later.
However, I have already taken the missed dose.
Is it still effective, or should I stop taking the medication? If I can disregard the day I took the missed dose, should I stop for 2 days or for several days?

Vovo, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/03/02

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Vovo: Hello, in response to your inquiry, please find the answers below: 1.
There is no need to discontinue medication.
2.
However, this month you should use additional contraceptive methods.
The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2023/03/02

More Info


When it comes to missed doses of fertility medication, it’s essential to understand the specific medication you are taking, its dosing schedule, and the implications of missing a dose. In your case, you mentioned taking a fertility medication called "悅滋" (Yuezi), which I assume is a brand name for a fertility drug.
First and foremost, if you miss a dose of your medication, the general recommendation is to take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In your situation, since you missed a dose on February 28 and remembered it on March 2, you took the missed dose after more than 24 hours. This is a critical point because many medications have specific time frames within which they should be taken to maintain their effectiveness.

Since you have already taken the missed dose, it is advisable to continue with your regular dosing schedule. However, you should not double up on doses to make up for the missed one. Instead, just take the next dose at the regular time. If you are unsure about how to proceed, it is always best to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice.

Regarding whether you should stop the medication after missing a dose, it typically depends on the medication's half-life and how it works in your body. For many fertility medications, missing a single dose may not significantly impact your treatment, especially if you are in the early stages of a cycle. However, if you miss multiple doses or if you are nearing a critical point in your treatment (like ovulation), it may be necessary to adjust your plan.

In terms of how long you should wait before resuming your medication after a missed dose, it is generally recommended to continue taking the medication as prescribed unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Stopping the medication for two days after a missed dose is not typically necessary unless you are advised to do so based on your specific treatment plan.

In summary, since you have already taken the missed dose, you should continue with your regular dosing schedule. If you have any concerns about the effectiveness of your treatment or how to manage missed doses in the future, please reach out to your healthcare provider. They can provide you with the best guidance tailored to your specific situation and medication regimen.

Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that fertility medications can have varying effects depending on individual circumstances, including hormonal levels and the specific fertility issues being addressed. Therefore, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial for successful treatment outcomes. They can help monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your medication plan based on your response to treatment.

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