How late can you take a birth control pill?

Answer 1

If you are on the combination Birth Control pill, containing both estrogen and progestin, it's not critical that you take the pill at the same time each day. In contrast, if you are taking the progestin-only pill, or minipill, you should use a back up method of birth control (like condoms or abstinence from vaginal sex) if you are late by more than three hours. If you're not sure which type you're taking, contact your pharmacist or health care providfer to clarify. See related link for evidence-based information on "how late is too late."