What happens if I miss taking the Opill?

Opill is a new progestin-only birth control pill (also called the mini-pill), that is available over the counter. That means you don’t need a prescription to get it. A store brand version, simply called “norgestrel daily oral contraceptive,” is also available at Walgreens and CVS. Opill is now available on Amazon, Opill’s website, and some drugstores, convenience stores, and grocery stores.

Anytime you are more than three hours late taking Opill or norgestrel you need to use a backup method, like condoms, for the next 48 hours.

To be effective at preventing pregnancy, Opill needs to be taken every day within a three-hour window. For example, you could take Opill daily between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, though it will be easier not to go outside the three-hour window if you plan to take it at the same time every day. Some people set an alarm or take their pill at the same time that they do something else every day.

If you take your pill at any time during that three-hour window, you are good to go! If you miss taking Opill during that three-hour window (which will mean that it’s been more than 27 hours since your last pill), take the missed pill as soon as you remember and then go back to your normal time the next day. Even if it means taking two pills in one day, that’s okay. Use a backup method for 48 hours while continuing to take Opill every day.