(over)
Remembering to take your birth control pill every


When pills are taken o-schedule, your risk
of an unplanned pregnancy increases. That




If you’re sll not sure what to do aer reviewing
these instrucons
day and rely on a backup method (like condoms)



If you have remaining concerns, or if you nd
that you frequently take your pills o-schedule,





For missed
combination
oral
contraceptive pills
If you missed 1 hormonal pill (by 24–48 hours) or
if you are simply late taking 1 pill (for less than
24 hours), you should:
• 
• 


• 

• 



If you missed 2 or more consecuve hormonal
pills (more than 48 hours have passed since you
took a pill), you should:
• Take the most recent missed pill as soon as
possible (discarding any other missed pills)
• 


• 


• 

packs):
• 
the hormone pills in the current pack and

• 




• 





For missed
progestin-only
pills
(“mini pills”)
If you get menstrual periods (even if you are
breaseeding) AND you have missed 1 or more
pills by more than 3 hours, you should:
• 
• 
• 


• 
 you
have engaged in behavior that put you at risk

Reminder: for
any kind
of oral
contraceptive pills



Missed a Birth Control Pill?
Here’s what to do.
First, take a deep breath . . . then read this informaon.
Health
Live Well to
Learn Well
Web:
health.cornell.edu
Phone (24/7):
607-255-5155
Fax:
607-255-0269
Appointments:
Monday–Saturday
Check web for hours,
services, providers,
and appointment
information
110 Ho Plaza,
Ithaca, NY
14853-3101









• 
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• 

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

concerns you may have about missed
pills, other birth control methods,


To schedule an appointment, log in to



This fact sheet is not intended to replace
package inserts for your contracepve
pills. Please refer to the package insert
for more comprehensive informaon.
Emergency Contraception (EC)






• EC must be taken within 3-5 days


• EC pills are available without a prescripon through Cornell


• Prescripon EC is more appropriate for some people,





Learn more at health.cornell.edu/EC.
2/2024
health.cornell.edu