Missed a pill? Here's what to do
What you do depends on which pill you take and how late you are. Find your pill type below. If you're still not sure, call us on 01253 30 40 10 and our pharmacist will talk you through it.
Missed combined pill
For standard 21-day packs such as Microgynon, Rigevidon, Levest, Femodette, Gedarel and Yasmin.
Missed 1 pill
You're more than 24 hours late, or started a new pack a day late.
- Take the pill you missed now, even if that means taking 2 in one day.
- Carry on with the rest of the pack as normal and take your usual 7-day break.
- You're still protected. You don't need extra contraception or the morning after pill.
Missed 2 or more pills
You're 48 hours or more late, or started a new pack 2 or more days late.
- Take the last pill you missed now, even if that means taking 2 in one day. Leave any earlier missed pills.
- Carry on with the rest of the pack as normal.
- Use condoms for the next 7 days.
- If there are 7 or more pills left after the missed one, finish the pack and take your usual break. If there are fewer than 7 left, finish the pack and start the next one the following day, without a break.
- If you missed pills in the first week of the pack and had unprotected sex in the 7-day break or that first week, you may need the morning after pill.
Missed mini pill (progestogen-only pill)
Desogestrel mini pills
Cerelle, Cerazette, desogestrel
Late if it's more than 12 hours past your usual time.
Traditional mini pills
Noriday
Late if it's more than 3 hours past your usual time.
If you're late
- Take the pill you missed now. If you missed more than one, take only one.
- Take your next pill at your usual time, even if that means taking 2 in one day.
- Use condoms for the next 2 days (48 hours).
- If you've had sex since you should have taken the pill, or have sex in the next 2 days, you may need the morning after pill.
Everyday (ED) packs with dummy pills, Qlaira and Zoely have different rules. Check the leaflet in your pack, or call us.
Think you need the morning after pill?
It's free on the NHS if you're eligible. Walk in with no appointment, or order online.
Missed pill questions
What happens if I miss one combined pill?
Take it as soon as you remember, even if that means 2 pills in one day, then carry on as normal. Missing 1 combined pill doesn't stop it working, so you don't need extra contraception or the morning after pill.
Do I need the morning after pill if I missed a pill?
Usually not after 1 missed combined pill. You may need it if you missed 2 or more combined pills in the first week of a pack and had unprotected sex, or if you were late with a mini pill and had sex. If you're not sure, call us and the pharmacist will tell you.
How late can I take the mini pill?
Up to 12 hours late for desogestrel pills such as Cerelle and Cerazette, and up to 3 hours late for traditional mini pills such as Noriday. Later than that counts as a missed pill.
Does being sick stop the pill working?
It can. Vomiting soon after taking a pill, or severe diarrhoea, can stop it being absorbed. Call us and the pharmacist will tell you whether to take another pill and whether you need extra protection.
More from the NHS: Missed pills on NHS.uk
This page is general guidance and doesn't replace a consultation. Always read the leaflet that comes with your pill. Last reviewed by Newton Drive Pharmacy, regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council.