If a woman forgets to take a contraceptive pill, it is important to follow the instructions on the specific package insert of the brand being used. In general, however, the combined oral contraceptive pill does not lose contraceptive efficacy if it is taken less than 12 hours after the usual time.
On the other hand, if the woman realizes that she has forgotten to take a pill and it is more than 12 hours after the usual time, the contraceptive efficacy of the pill may have been reduced. In this case, the course of action will depend on the week in which the forgetfulness occurred.
Read the full article on: What is the contraceptive pill? – Efficacy, how to take it and risks ( 62).
By Andrea Rodrigo B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), Júlia Roig Navarro M.D. (gynecologist), Sergio Rogel Cayetano M.D. (gynecologist) and Silvia Azaña Gutiérrez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).
Last Update: 04/26/2022
