If you take the pill two hours late, is it still effective?

Is the Birth Control pill still effective, if you take it two hours after the time you are supposed to take it?

Yes, if you take your pill 2 hours late it’s still effective. Most people use combined-hormone pills. They contain both estrogen and progestin. They must be taken once a day, but they don’t need to be taken at the same time every day.

If you’re taking progestin-only pills, it’s best to take them at the same time every day. But you have a 3 hour window, meaning it’s only working less well if you take it more than 3 hours late. If this happens, use a backup method of birth control, like a condom, for the next 2 days. (For example, if you’ve been taking your pill at noon, but you forget to take it until after 3:00 p.m., take it as soon as you remember and use a condom when you have vaginal sex for the next 2 days.) Continue to take the rest of your pack on schedule.

This quiz can help you figure out what to do if you forgot to take your pill.