Lost a birth control pill down the drain. Next one's Week 3 dose. What to do?

Question

I'm on Tri-Sprintec, where the dosages vary week to week. My last pill of Week 2 just rolled down the drain (argh!) and the next one I could take is Week 3. Can anyone tell me if I should take tomorrow's pill or just skip tonight?

(Please note - I took yesterday's pill this morning. I am apparently a little absent-minded. So that might count as missing 2 pills in a row.)

Just to make clear: Week 2 has a different dosage than Week 3. So the question is do I start Week 3 a day early? I think maybe I do...

Answer 1

You can take tomorrow's pill late tonight. You may feel a bit nauseated from the extra hormone level, since you just took one this morning.

Just keep in mind you will need to use another method of birth control until you start the new cycle of pills next month. You missed a pill at a crucial time of the month, so your chances of getting pregnant have increased.

Perhaps another method of birth control would be better for you, something like that patch, which you don't have to remember on a daily basis.

Answer 2

http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/Uses/0,3915,6438%7CTri%252DSprintec,00.html

From the site I just posted:

Try not to miss a dose. If you do, it may be necessary to consult your prescriber or health care professional. The following information describes only some of the ways that missed doses can be handled.

For monophasic, biphasic or triphasic cycles:
21-day schedule:
If you miss one dose, take it as soon as you remember and then take the next pill at the regular time as usual. You may take 2 tablets in one day. If you miss two doses (days) in a row, take 2 tablets for the next 2 days, then, continue with your regular schedule. Whenever 1 or 2 doses are missed, you should use a second method of contraception for the next 7 days in addition to taking the pills. If you miss three doses in a row, you should notify your physician or other health care professional for instructions. You will probably need to throw away the rest of the tablets in that cycle pack and start over. Another method of contraception should be used until at least 7 doses have been taken in the new cycle. Missing a pill can cause spotting or light bleeding. Make sure that no more than 7 days pass at the end of the 21 day cycle, before you start your next pack of pills.

28-day schedule:
Follow the same directions as above for the first 21 days of the schedule. If you miss 1 of the last 7 pills, you can either double the dose or skip it, but it is important to start the next month's cycle on the scheduled day.

Answer 3

Do you have the insert that came with the pills? It usually gives detailed instructions on what to do if you miss a pill. You'll probably be OK, though.

Answer 4

Continue with the pills, even though you go to a higher dosage. or lower dosage. If you continue with them, you will start your period a few days or a day early. Just use protection until you start one week of the next months pills.. Make sense?

Answer 5

I did this too, I called the doctor and they told me to just keep taking the pack as normal and that one probably wouldnt affect it but all doses are different I guess. I would just call your local clinic and ask whoever answers.

Answer 6

call your pharmicist..where you refill your pills..they can give you an extra one..it might cost you a dollar or so..or they can advise you what to do..that is what they are there for..to help...you can also call your doctor who prescribed them to you....