If you are more than three hours late (12 hours if you are taking a desogestrel POP):

  • Take a pill as soon as you remember. If you have missed more than one, only take one.
  • Take your next pill at the usual time. This may mean taking two pills in one day. This is not harmful.
  • You are not protected against pregnancy. Continue to take your pills as usual but use an additional method of contraception, such as condoms, for the next full 48 hours.
  • If you have had unprotected sex during this time you may need emergency contraception Seek advice immediately.

If you are less than three hours late (12 hours if you are taking a desogestrel POP):

  • Take a pill as soon as you remember, and take the next one at the usual time. You are protected from pregnancy.

Desogestrel pills include Cerazette, Cerelle and Zeletta

Non desogestrel pills include Noriday and Norgeston

Please Note: This guidance does not apply to the  Drospirenone POP Slynd. Please click here for missed pill information for Slynd.