What to Do If You Forget to Take Your Menstrual Regulation Medication? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Missed a dose of the contraceptive pill?


Hello Doctor, I am currently taking a medication for menstrual regulation (Remexin Tablets "S.T.").
I usually take it at 10:00 PM, but I suddenly remembered at 1:00 AM the next day that I forgot to take it, so I took one tablet.
I am concerned whether taking it more than three hours late will affect its effectiveness.
I would like to ask how to handle missed doses of menstrual regulation medication.
How many hours after the scheduled time can I take a missed dose? If it exceeds that time, how should I take it the next day? Should I take two tablets like with birth control pills?
Additionally, I would like to know how long after a missed dose of birth control pills I should take it for it to remain effective.
If I exceed that time, should I also take two tablets the next day at the same time? Will the contraceptive effectiveness be significantly reduced?
Thank you for your help with these questions!

Qiu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/06/05

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, if you forget to take your contraceptive pill, just follow your method.
If you miss a dose, take two pills the next day.
Wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2023/06/05

More Info


When it comes to missing a dose of menstrual regulation medication, such as Remexin (a medication used to delay menstruation), it's important to understand the specific guidelines for your medication. Generally, if you remember to take your missed dose within a few hours of the scheduled time, you should take it as soon as you remember. In your case, since you remembered at 1:00 AM after forgetting to take it at 10:00 PM, taking it three hours late is usually acceptable. However, the effectiveness of the medication may vary depending on how late you take it and the specific formulation of the drug.

For many medications, including those used for menstrual regulation, the general rule is to take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, you would skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. It is not advisable to double up on doses (i.e., taking two doses at once) unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider.

If you miss a dose and it is more than a few hours late, it is best to consult the medication's prescribing information or contact your healthcare provider for guidance. They can provide specific instructions based on the formulation and your individual health needs.

Regarding contraceptive pills, the guidelines can vary slightly depending on the type of pill you are taking (combination or progestin-only). For combination pills, if you miss a dose and remember it within 24 hours, you should take it as soon as you remember. If you miss it for more than 24 hours, you should take the last missed pill as soon as you remember and continue with your regular schedule, but you may need to use backup contraception for a short period. For progestin-only pills, it is crucial to take them at the same time every day, and missing a dose by more than three hours can reduce their effectiveness. In such cases, you should take the missed pill as soon as you remember and use additional contraception for the next 48 hours.

In summary, if you forget to take your menstrual regulation medication, take it as soon as you remember if it's within a few hours. If it's significantly late, consult your healthcare provider for the best course of action. For contraceptive pills, the timing of the missed dose is critical, and guidelines differ based on the type of pill. Always refer to the specific instructions provided with your medication or seek advice from your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

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