Accidentally Took Active Birth Control Pill Instead Of Placebo
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses what to do if you accidentally take a hormone-containing "active" birth control pill during your placebo week.
I took an active pill from my new pack mistaking the days instead of a placebo. Now I won't be able to take an active pill one day. Am I still safe?
Oct 10, 2022- You're still protected from pregnancy because taking one extra active pill doesn't reduce the effectiveness of your birth control.
- You may experience some irregular bleeding during your period and the first week of your next pack, but this shouldn't be substantial.
- If the extra pill came from your next pack, contact your pharmacy about getting a replacement pack so you don't end up short on active pills for your next cycle.
Thanks for reaching out! Most birth control pill products contain what is known as a "hormone-free" interval, ranging from 4 to 7 days. Once you finish your active pills, you begin taking the "inactive" or "placebo" pills, which contain no hormones and will bring on menses (i.e. your period).
Fortunately, if you accidentally take a hormone-containing pill rather than a placebo pill, there is no cause to worry. Continue taking your pills as directed at the same time every day. In your case, simply continue with the placebo pills (even though you accidentally took the wrong pill). You will then still start your next pack on your usually scheduled day.
You Are Still Protected From Pregnancy
Taking a hormone-containing pill on accident will not affect the efficacy of your birth control pills and you will still be protected from pregnancy. You may notice a slight increase in irregular bleeding during your period and during the first week of your next pack, but it shouldn't be substantial.
More concerning is the extra dose you took in regard to having a full number of pills for your next cycle.
If the active pill you accidentally took came from your next pack, you now have one less active, hormone-containing pill. To avoid missing a dose in the future, you should check with your pharmacy to see if they are able to fill a replacement pack for you. Replacement packs can be handy if you ever miss doses or lose pills in the future.
The important takeaway is that you don't miss a day when you are scheduled to take a hormone-containing pill. As long as you don't do this, you should be at no higher risk of pregnancy.
What To Do If You Can't Get A Replacement Pill
If you can't get a replacement pack, and you are going to be one pill short on your next pack, the most important thing is to start your next pack on normal. Start on your usual day.
You likely can get a refill a little early from your pharmacy near the end of your pack. If that is not possible, and you need to miss a dose at the end of your next pack, you are likely still protected from pregnancy (if you are taking a combined-hormone pill), you may just get your period a little earlier than usual. Most sources say one missed dose is unlikely to affect contraceptive ability significantly. If you are still concerned, you can use backup contraception for 7 days after your last dose.
Final Words
Thanks for reaching out! I hope this helped!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Hormone-free interval
- A period of several days during your birth control cycle when you take pills containing no hormones, allowing your period to occur.
- Active pills
- Birth control pills that contain hormones designed to prevent pregnancy.
- Placebo pills
- Pills in your birth control pack that contain no active hormones and trigger menstruation.
- Menses
- Your monthly period or menstrual bleeding.
- Efficacy
- How well a medication works to produce the desired effect.
- Irregular bleeding
- Unexpected or abnormal vaginal bleeding that occurs outside your normal menstrual pattern.
- Combined-hormone pill
- A birth control pill that contains two types of hormones (estrogen and progestin) to prevent pregnancy.
- Backup contraception
- An additional birth control method used alongside your primary method to provide extra pregnancy prevention.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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