If you forget to take a progestogen-only pill, what you should do depends on:
- the type of pill you are taking
- how late you are taking the pill and how many pills you have forgotten to take
- whether you have had sex without using another form of contraception during the previous seven days
If you are less than 3-12 hours late
If you are taking a three-hour progestogen-only pill and you are less than three hours late taking it, or you are taking the 12-hour progestogen-only pill and are less than 12 hours late, you do not need to worry.
Take the late pill as soon as you remember and the remaining pills as normal. Your contraceptive protection will not be affected, so you do not need to use any additional contraception.
Do not worry if you have had sex without using another form of contraception. You do not need emergency contraception.
If you are more than 3-12 hours late
If you are taking a three-hour progestogen-only pill and you are more than three hours late taking it, or you are taking the 12-hour progestogen-only pill and are more than 12 hours late, follow the advice below:
- take the last pill you missed straight away (if you have missed more than one, take only one)
- take your next pill at the normal time.
Depending on when you remember, it may mean taking two pills on the same day (one at the time of remembering and one at the regular time), or even at the same time.
You will not be protected from pregnancy, so use additional contraception, such as condoms, for the next two days after taking the missed pill.
If you have recently had unprotected sex, you may need emergency contraception. Seek advice straight away from your GP or local sexual health clinic. You can also call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 (24 hours) or the FPA helpline on 0845 122 8690
