Missing a contraceptive pill is something most women experience at some point. The good news is that in many cases your contraceptive protection remains intact as long as you act promptly and correctly. The guidance differs depending on which type of pill you take, how many you have missed, and where you are in your packet.
Pharmacy Planet provides a range of contraceptive pills and emergency contraception through its online prescribing service.
Table of Contents
1. The Combined Pill: What to Do If You Miss One
1.1. If You Miss One Pill and Remember Within 24 Hours
1.2. If You Are More Than 24 Hours Late
2. The Progestogen-Only Pill (Mini Pill): Different Rules Apply
2.1. Traditional Mini Pills — 3-Hour Window
2.2. Desogestrel Pills — 12-Hour Window
3. Emergency Contraception: Your Options
4.1. Does vomiting affect my pill?
4.2. Can I use emergency contraception more than once?
The Combined Pill: What to Do If You Miss One
The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) contains oestrogen and progestogen. Most are taken for 21 days followed by a 7-day break.
If You Miss One Pill and Remember Within 24 Hours
Take it as soon as you remember, even if that means taking two pills in one day. Your contraceptive protection is maintained. Continue taking the rest of your pack as normal.
If You Are More Than 24 Hours Late
Take the missed pill immediately (even if two at once). Continue your pack at the usual time. Use additional contraception such as condoms for the next seven days.
- If the missed pill was in week one and you had unprotected sex in the past five days, consider emergency contraception.
- If the missed pill was in week two, condoms for seven days are sufficient.
- If the missed pill was in week three, omit your pill-free break by starting a new pack immediately after finishing the current one.
For a comprehensive guide to using contraceptive pills correctly, read our blog on how to use birth control pills and the dos and don'ts while using contraceptive pills.
The Progestogen-Only Pill (Mini Pill): Different Rules Apply
The progestogen-only pill is taken every day without a break. The missed pill window depends on which type you take.
Traditional Mini Pills — 3-Hour Window
Pills containing norethisterone or levonorgestrel: if you are more than three hours late, it is considered missed. Take the pill immediately and use condoms for 48 hours. Consider emergency contraception if you have had unprotected sex.
Desogestrel Pills — 12-Hour Window
Pills such as Cerazette and Cerelle: if less than 12 hours late, take immediately and your protection is maintained. If more than 12 hours late, take immediately and use condoms for 48 hours. Consider emergency contraception if you have had unprotected sex.
Read our blog on the best combined contraceptive pill for guidance on choosing the right contraceptive, and browse Pharmacy Planet's full contraceptive pill range.
Emergency Contraception: Your Options
If you are concerned your protection has been compromised, emergency contraception is available through Pharmacy Planet's online service. Options include Levonelle (up to 72 hours, effective to 96 hours) and ellaOne (up to 120 hours). The copper IUD is the most effective option and can be fitted up to five days after unprotected sex. Read our comparison of Levonelle vs ellaOne to understand which suits your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vomiting affect my pill?
Yes. If you vomit within two hours of taking your combined pill, the pill may not have been fully absorbed. Treat it as a missed pill and follow the combined pill missed pill guidance.
Can I use emergency contraception more than once?
Yes. There is no medical reason you cannot use it more than once, though it is not intended as a regular method. Read our blog on whether there are side effects of using the morning after pill more often for more information.
Does the combined pill protect against STIs?
No. The contraceptive pill provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are the only contraceptive method that reduces STI risk.
How do I know which type of mini pill I am taking?
Check the patient information leaflet or the name on your pack. If it contains desogestrel (Cerazette, Cerelle), the 12-hour window applies. If it contains norethisterone or levonorgestrel, the 3-hour window applies. View Pharmacy Planet's contraceptive pill range for available options.
Reviewed for clinical accuracy. Content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All prescription medicines require a valid prescription following appropriate clinical assessment.
