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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Female -- Periods > Lost last BC pill
Posted on: 03/30/2007
Question
I dropped the last active pill in my pack down my bathroom drain. What protocol would I follow in this circumstance. All FAQs tell you to take the next pill. In my case, the next pill would be an inactive one. What should I do?
Answer
Hi there....
This is the protocol I typically recommend to teens when a pill gets missed. If you forget one pill, take it when you remember or take two the next day. If you forget 2 pills in a row, take 2 pills per day for 2 days and be extra sure to use condoms as well. If you miss 3 pills in a row, start a new pill pack and continue to be vigilant about using condoms. Remember that it is always safest to use condoms even if you are on the pill or patch.
Your case is a little different since the next pill was a placebo pill. One of the most important things to know when taking birth control pills is to NOT lengthen the placebo week. In your case, I would start a new pack a day earlier than you normally would. Another alternative is to take 2 months of active pills in a row before having your withdrawal bleed. As always...when in doubt, use condoms.
Hope this helps!