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What to Do If You Miss a Pill

Answer a few quick questions and we'll tell you exactly what to do based on your pill type. Takes about 30 seconds. Covers every combined pill and mini pill available in the UK.

This tool follows FSRH (Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare) clinical guidelines and individual Summary of Product Characteristics (SPCs) for each pill brand.

Clinically reviewed by Usama Ali, MPharm (GPhC: 2224726).

How it works

  1. Tell us what happened (missed pill, vomiting, or diarrhoea)
  2. Select your pill type or search by brand name
  3. Get personalised advice instantly

For a full written guide, read What to do if you miss a pill.

What counts as a missed pill?

How late a pill can be before you lose protection depends on the type you take:

  • Combined pill (Microgynon, Rigevidon, Yasmin, Gedarel and most others): more than 24 hours late.
  • Desogestrel mini pill (Cerelle, Cerazette, Feanolla, Zelleta): more than 12 hours late.
  • Traditional mini pill (Noriday, Norgeston): more than 3 hours late.
  • Slynd (drospirenone): more than 24 hours late.

If you are still inside the window for your pill, take it now and carry on as normal. You stay protected and need no extra precautions. If you are past it, use the tool above for the exact next steps.

When you might need emergency contraception

Consider emergency contraception if you missed two or more combined pills in week 1 (or started a pack late) and had unprotected sex, or if you were outside the window on a mini pill and had unprotected sex recently. Contraception Direct does not supply emergency contraception. Contact your nearest pharmacy, a sexual health clinic, or call NHS 111.

For the complete missed-pill rules for every pill type, with worked examples, read our full guide on what to do if you miss a pill. Our pharmacists are specially trained in contraception and dedicated to this service, so if you are unsure you can book a free phone consultation.

About this tool

Which pills does this tool cover?

Every combined pill and progestogen-only (mini) pill available in the UK, including Microgynon, Rigevidon, Yasmin, Gedarel, Cerelle, Cerazette, Noriday, Slynd, Eloine, Qlaira, Zoely and more. Pick your pill from the list or search by brand name, and the advice adjusts to your pill's late window.

Is the advice based on official guidance?

Yes. The tool follows FSRH (Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare) clinical guidelines and the individual Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for each brand. It was clinically reviewed by Usama Ali, MPharm (GPhC 2224726).

Is this tool a substitute for medical advice?

No. It gives general guidance for the most common situations. If your situation is unusual, you are unsure, or you may need emergency contraception, speak to a pharmacist or call NHS 111. You can also book a free phone consultation with our team.

Want the full written rules?

For a complete explanation of the missed-pill rules for every pill type, including worked examples, read our full guide: What to do if you miss a pill.