The pill: know where you are and avoid missed pills

One pill a day is simple… until the day you can’t remember if you’ve taken it. Here’s how to stay organised.

The main types of pill

• 21-day pill: 21 pills, then a 7-day break during which your period (known as a withdrawal bleed) comes.
• Continuous pill: 28 pills, with no break, sometimes including hormone-free pills.

The most important thing is to take it every day at the same time.

If you miss a pill

What to do depends on the type of pill and how late you are: the margin isn’t the same for every pill. The reflex: read your pill’s leaflet or call your pharmacist, who will answer quickly. After unprotected sex, emergency contraception is available from pharmacies, without a prescription in many countries: the sooner it’s taken, the more effective it is.

Tips to avoid missed pills

• Link taking it to a daily habit: brushing your teeth, your morning coffee.
• Keep the pack in the same place, clearly visible.
• Log each pill, so you can check at a glance.
• Set a reminder on your phone.

Ragnagna is not a medical device and does not replace advice from a health professional. If in doubt, talk to your doctor, midwife or gynaecologist.