What to do if you’ve missed a pill
In the UK, there are two main types of oral contraceptive pill available, the combined pill and the progestogen only pill. Depending on which of these pills you take, the advice for missing a pill varies.
The combined hormonal pill: If you usually take the combined pill and you accidentally miss one, you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. This may even mean taking two pills on the same day if you need to. Following this, you should continue to take the remaining pills at the same time you usually take them. In most cases, you will still be protected against pregnancy if only one pill has been missed. However, if you miss two or more pills during the first week of a new pack, it may reduce the effectiveness of the pills. Should find yourself in this situation, you should take the most recent missed pill as soon as possible and leave any earlier missed pills and continue taking the rest of the pack as normal. I this case it is recommended to use condoms or avoid intercourse for the next week.
Missed Pill Advice
Taking the contraceptive pill is designed to be simple and convenient, however, it is very easy to forget to take one especially if you lead a busy lifestyle or you’ve simply just forgotten! Although you may feel worried that you’ve missed a pill, it doesn’t always mean that you are at risk of becoming pregnant. Knowing what you should do following a missed dose is important and all depends on what type of pill you take and how many pills you have missed.
The progestogen only pill: If you take the progestogen only pill, also known as the mini pill, the rules can vary depending on the type of POP you take. If you are more than three hours late with a normal POP, or more than 12 hours late with a Desogestrel pill, then you should take it as soon as possible and then continue taking the remaining pills as normal. Using additional contraception is also recommended for the next two days.
Although contraceptive pills are very affective in protecting against pregnancy, you may need to take emergency contraception especially if the missed pills were at the beginning of a pack or if you have missed two or more pills. Emergency contraception such as the morning after pill is available from Dr Pillmans online which is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
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How do I stop missing pills in future?
We all have a tendency to forget things, so sometimes it may help to look at ways to reduce the chances of missing a pill in future. Some women may find it helpful to set a daily alarm on your phone, or put the pills in place where you are most likely to see it, such as next to your toothbrush or in your handbag.
If you are ever unsure about what to do after missing a pill, at Dr Pillmans, our qualified UK clinicians will be happy to offer advice and support whenever you need it. However, taking the pill consistently and following the guidance will help you to ensure the pills are working effectively giving you peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions: Missed Pill
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, even if that means taking two pills in one day, then continue the rest of the pack at your usual time. In most cases, missing just one combined pill still leaves you protected against pregnancy. But to be extra safe use another method of contraception for 7 days.
Missing two or more pills during the first week of a new pack can reduce their effectiveness. Take the most recent missed pill as soon as possible, leave any earlier missed ones, and continue the rest of the pack as normal. It’s recommended to use condoms or avoid intercourse for the following week.
This depends on the type you take. If you’re more than 3 hours late with a standard POP, or more than 12 hours late with a Desogestrel pill, take it as soon as possible and continue the rest of the pack as normal. Extra contraception, such as condoms, is recommended for the next 2 days.
Emergency contraception may be needed if you missed pills at the beginning of a pack or missed two or more pills, particularly with the combined pill. The morning after pill is available from Dr Pillmans online and works best when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.
Setting a daily phone alarm or keeping your pills somewhere you’ll see them often, like next to your toothbrush or in your handbag, can help build a consistent routine.
Yes. The combined pill and progestogen-only pill (mini pill) have different rules for what counts as a “missed” dose and what action to take, so it’s important to know which type you’re taking.
Yes. Dr Pillmans’ qualified UK clinicians are available to offer advice and support whenever you need it, so you don’t have to guess what to do next.
Yes. Dr Pillmans operates through Fishmoor Pharmacy, a fully registered UK pharmacy (GPhC Registration Number 1092500), with content written and reviewed by registered prescribing pharmacists.
Reference: nhs.uk
Written by Imran Lakhi
Independent Prescribing Pharmacist GPHC 2060586
Reviewed by date: 21/05/2026
Reviewed by Muhammedammar Patel
Pharmacist GPHC 2210444
Reviewed by date: 21/05/2026