Can you take two birth control pills at once if you forgot?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Missed a birth control pill? You can typically take two pills at once to catch up and maintain pregnancy prevention. The exact steps depend on the type of pill (combination vs. progestin-only) and how many hours late you are. If more than 24 hours have passed, backup contraception may be needed for up to 7 days.

Because missed-pill guidance varies based on your specific pill, timing, and cycle stage, generic advice can be risky. A personalized assessment gives you clearer next steps in seconds. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to understand your situation and know exactly what to do next.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

When you forget to take your birth control pill, it is often recommended to take the missed pill as soon as you remember. If you miss a pill and do not remember until the next day, taking two pills at once is a common way to get back on track. This approach can help maintain the effectiveness of the birth control in preventing pregnancy.

Steps to Follow:

Missed One Pill: Take the missed pill as soon as you remember. If you remember the next day, take two pills that day.
Missed Two Pills: If you miss two pills in a row, take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the next day.

It is important to follow the instructions provided with your birth control pack, as different types may have specific guidelines. Studies, like those by Creinin et al., highlight the importance of adherence to maintain the effectiveness of combined oral contraceptives. If you are experiencing unusual symptoms or have concerns about your birth control effectiveness, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker or consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

(References)

Hansen LB, Saseen JJ, & Teal SB. (2007). Levonorgestrel-only dosing strategies for emergency .... Pharmacotherapy, 17253917.
Creinin MD, Jensen JT, Chen MJ, Black A, Costescu D, & Foidart JM. (2023). Combined Oral Contraceptive Adherence and Pregnancy .... Obstetrics and gynecology, 37023457.
Trussell J, Ellertson C, & Rodríguez G. (1996). The Yuzpe regimen of emergency contraception: how long .... Obstetrics and gynecology, 8684749.

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