Progestogen only pill

Missed pill

The missed pill rules for the progestogen only pill (POP) are simpler than those used for the combined oral contraceptive pill, but it is important not to confuse the two.

'Traditional' POPs (Micronor, Noriday, Nogeston, Femulen)	Cerazette (desogestrel)
If less than 3 hours late no action required, continue as normal If more than 3 hours late (i.e. more than 27 hours since the last pill was taken) action needed - see below	If less than 12 hours late no action required, continue as normal If more than 12 hours late (i.e. more than 36 hours since the last pill was taken) action needed - see below

Action required, if needed:

• take the missed pill as soon as possible. If more than one pill has been missed just take one pill. Take the next pill at the usual time, which may mean taking two pills in one day
• continue with rest of pack
• extra precautions (e.g. condoms) should be used until pill taking has been re-established for 48 hours