FAQ: Missing the progestogen-only pill

Missed your mini-pill? As timing is crucial, here's what you should do.

Did I take my pill this morning? I can't remember.

Please note: The following answers relate to the progestogen-only pill ONLY. This is the pill that contains one hormone, progestogen, and is often referred to as the ‘mini-pill’. Common brands include:(R)Micronor; (R)Noriday; (R)Femulen; (R)Microval; (R)Norgeston; (R)Neogest and (R)Cerazette.

Is it ever safe to miss a pill?

If you’re more than three hours late taking your pill or forget to take it altogether then your contraception will not work. Continue to take your pills. Your contraception will work again after two days (that is once you have taken two pills at the right time), so use condoms until then.
If you’ve had sex since the pill was late you may want to think about using emergency contraception to reduce your chances of becoming pregnant.

I missed a pill and now I am experiencing spotting half way through my cycle. Is this normal?

This is very common whichever pill you take. On the progestogen-only pill the bleeding will sort itself out in its own time as you continue to take the pill as normal. Missing a pill may mean that you’ve been at risk of pregnancy if you also have had sex. If you’re in this situation you should speak to someone about using emergency contraception.

I’ve had mild diarrhoea. Is the pill still effective?

For the pill to stop working you need to have severe diarrhoea (the type that you get when you have food poisoning). If the diarrhoea is mild then there is no need to worry, just continue to take your pills as normal. This is the same whatever pill you take.

I missed the first pill in my packet. Will I still be protected?

If you’re taking the progestogen-only pill then forgetting one pill means that you’re not protected. If you’ve had sex since the pill was late you may want to think about using emergency contraception to reduce your chances of becoming pregnant. Continue to take your pills. Your contraception will work again after two days (that is once you’ve taken two pills at the right time) so use condoms until then.

I missed the last pill in my packet. What now?

Forgetting one pill anywhere in the packet on the progestogen-only pill means that you’re not protected. Continue to take your pills. Your contraception will work again after two days (that’s once you’ve taken two pills at the right time). If you’ve had sex since the pill was late you may want to think about using emergency contraception to reduce your chances of becoming pregnant.

I’ve been away and forgot to take my pills so I’ve missed three out of my packet. What now?

Whichever pill you are taking it is important to restart your pills now. If you’re taking the progestogen-only pill then forgetting three pills means that you’re not protected against pregnancy. If you’ve had sex since the first pill was late you may want to think about using emergency contraception to reduce your chances of becoming pregnant. Your contraception will work again after two days (that is once you have taken two pills at the right time).

Please note that this is a guide only – if you have any further concerns, consult your GP (doctor) or contact the fpa immediately.

Photo of girl holding pills by Shutterstock