What should I do if I miss one or more contraceptive pills?

What should I do if I miss one or more contraceptive pills?

For the most accurate advice, we recommend you read the information that comes in you contraceptive pill pack, because the instructions vary between one pill type and another.
 
For combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs):
 
It is considered a missed pill if you delay the dose by more than 12 hours. Check the patient information leaflet with the pack or speak to your pharmacist if you're unsure what is the time window before the pill loses efficacy.
 
If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember, even if you have to take two pills at one go. You will still be protected against pregnancy if you miss only one pill. 
 
If you've missed two or more pills, real the patient information leaflet for advice on what to do, or seek your doctor's advice. When you miss two or more pills you will be at risk of pregnancy, so be sure to use condoms if you have intercourse in the next seven days and don't wish to become pregnant. If you had sex in the last seven days and you missed two or more pills, consider using a morning after pill.
 
For the progestogen-only pill (POP) or mini pill:
 
The mini pill is considered a missed pill if you delay the dose by more than 3 hours (or 12 hours if the active ingredient of your mini pill is Desogestrel). Unlike combined pills, you will be at risk of pregnancy if you miss even one mini pill. Take the mini pill as soon as you remember and then use condoms for the next 2 days. If you had sex in the last seven days, consider using a morning after pill.

    • Related Articles

    • What are contraceptive pills (also known as birth control pills)?

      The oral contraceptive pill (OCP), or "the pill" for short, is one of the most popular methods of contraception used in Malta. Currently, it's only available for women, although a male pill is being developed. The contraceptive pill contains one or ...

    • What's the difference between combined contraceptive pills (COCs) and mini pills (POPs)?

      There are two main types of oral contraceptive pills: those that contain two hormones - an oestrogen and a progestogen - and these are called combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills, and those that contain only one hormone - a progestogen - and these ...

    • Can I have more than one abortion?

      Yes, it is safe to have more than one abortion. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that the risk of complications increases with the number of abortions. This applies to both abortions with pills and to surgical abortions in clinic. It is, ...

    • How effective are oral contraceptive pills?

      If taken properly, the oral contraceptive pill prevents pregnancy in about 99% of women, but since accidents happen and sometimes pills are missed, it is about 91% effective in real life. Oral contraceptive pills do not protect you against sexually ...

    • How do I use contraceptive pills?

      This depends on the type of contraceptive pill you use. For the most accurate instructions, read the information in your contraceptive pill pack. For combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs): Each monthly pack of combined oral contraceptives usually ...