One missed combined pill is usually fine - the CDC says take it as soon as possible, continue the pack at the usual time (two in one day is OK), and you need no backup contraception and usually no emergency contraception.
A pill is late under 24 hours, missed after that; the rules cover active pills, not placebos. The mini-pill is less forgiving - the right move depends on how late you are and which type you take, so check the pack leaflet or a pharmacist. Highest-risk misses: the start of a pack or just after the placebo break, which stretch the hormone-free gap. Two or more missed pills follow different rules. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you work out your situation.
What to do
Common questions
What happens if I miss a birth control pill?
Usually less than you fear - for one missed combined pill, protection holds. The CDC's guidance: take the late or missed pill as soon as possible, continue the rest at the usual time (even if that means two pills in one day), and you do not need backup contraception; emergency contraception is not usually needed. The clock that matters: a pill is late under 24 hours and missed after that, and these rules cover hormonally active pills, not the placebo week. The mini-pill (progestogen-only) is less forgiving: what to do depends on how late you are and which type you take, so the NHS directs you to the leaflet in your pack or a pharmacist - some types have only a few hours of slack. Where one missed pill becomes a real risk: at the start of a pack or right after the placebo break, because missing there stretches the hormone-free gap. Two or more missed pills changes the rules - that is a separate answer. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you work out your situation.