What to do if you miss a pill

Missing a pill can be a worry, especially if you’ve recently had unprotected sex. But, missing a pill doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get pregnant. How protected you are and any extra precautions you might need to take, depends on the type of pill you are taking and the number of pills you have missed.

Knowing what to do when you miss your contraceptive pill will mean you can quickly resolve the situation.

Don’t forget, no contraceptive pill protects against STIs. So make sure you’re getting regularly checked and using condoms to stay protected.

Provided you know what to do if you miss a contraceptive pill then you should be able to control the situation and quickly return to your normal routine.

What type of pill are you taking?

What you should do if you miss a pill depends on whether you are on the combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill (mini pill). Read our clinicians advice on different types of contraceptive pill.

The main differences between these pills are:

The combined pill has oestrogen, but the mini pill doesn’t.
The mini pill is taken every day without a break, but depending on the type, the combined pill can used in different ways.
With the combined pill you’ll need yearly checks of the your blood pressure, height and weight, but you don’t for the mini pill.

If you're unsure what type of pill you’re on, you can check the packet and search the brand name online.

We’re going to give you some advice on what to do if you miss a pill. But it’s important to check your pill pack for specific instructions, or you can speak to your GP or a pharmacist.

Combined pill

The combined pill is typically taken daily for 21 days then stopped for four or seven days, during which time you will experience a withdrawal bleed.

Everyday pills, for example contain seven inactive (dummy) pills which simply help you know when to start a new pack. You can also take these pills in similar ways to the combined pill.

You should take combined pills in the correct order and at the same time each day.

Missing the combined pill

If it's been less than 12 hours late:

Take your next pill now
Continue taking the rest of the pack as usual
You might need to take two pills on one day

If it's been more than 12 hours late:

Take the last pill you missed now.
Continue taking the rest of the pack as usual.
You might need to take two pills on one day
If you have unprotected sex during this time you might need emergency contraception.
If you have less than seven pills left in your pack, don't take the four or seven-day break this month.
Start the next pack as soon as you finish this one.

Progestogen-only pill

The progestogen-only pill (POP) is taken every day without a break. The time window for missing mini pills is much narrower than for combined pills.

Most mini pills should be taken within 3 hours of the same time each day. Certain pills, such as Cerazette contain desogestrel, can be taken within a 12-hour window of the same time.

Missing a POP

If you've missed a mini pill:

If you take Noriday more than three hours late, you won't be protected.
- Take the next one as soon as possible, and the next one at the usual time.
- Use condoms for the next two days if you're having sex.
If you take Cerazette more than 12 hours late, you won't be protected.
- Take the next one as soon as possible, and the next one at the usual time.
- Use condoms for the next two days if you're having sex.

Remembering your pill

Taking your pill at the correct time is very important. But we all know it’s how easy it is to forget a pill. Here are some tips to help you remember your pill:

Make your pill part of your daily routine. Take it after brushing your teeth or just before bed.
Set an alarm on your phone.
Leave a note to take the pill, someone you’ll always see it, e.g. the fridge door or kettle.
Know what to do if you miss and pill.

You can always log into your Patient Record to ask us for advice, or speak to a pharmacist in your local pharmacy.