Missed pill advice for Yaz
Yaz is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP). The pills contain estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (drospirenone) hormones. It is an everyday COCP. Each pack contains 24 active pills followed by four inactive pills. It is a monophasic COCP, which means all active pills have the same amount of hormones. You should try to take your pills at the same time each day. If you do not take your pill within 12 hours of your regular pill-taking time, it is classed as a missed pill. If you miss any of the four inactive (white) pills at the end of the pack, you can just disregard these pills. You will still be protected against pregnancy.
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What should I do if I miss one pill?
If you miss an active (colored) pill, you may not be protected against pregnancy. The steps you should follow depend on where you missed the pill in the pack.
If you missed a pill from the first week of the pack, take the pill now. Then, take the next pill at your regular time (even if this means taking two pills on the same day) and take the rest of the pack as usual. You should also use condoms or avoid having sex for the next seven days. If you have had unprotected intercourse the week before missing the pill, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist, as you may require emergency contraception.
If you missed a pill between days 8-14 in the pack, take the pill now. Then, take the next pill at your regular time (even if this means taking two pills on the same day) and take the rest of the pack as usual. You do not need to take any additional precautions.
If you missed a pill between days 15-24, there are two options you can follow.
- One option is to take the pill now. Then, take the next active pill at your regular time (even if this means taking two pills on the same day) and take the rest of the active pills as usual. Then, you should omit the inactive pills and start the next pack instead. If you follow this method, you are unlikely to have a withdrawal bleed until the following month, but you may experience breakthrough bleeding (spotting) when taking the active pills.
- Alternatively, you could disregard the remainder of the active pills and move on to the four inactive pills instead. Then, start the next pack. If you want to start the pack on the same day you always start, you should take the inactive pills for less than four days.
What should I do if I miss more than one pill?
If you miss more than one pill, you should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist. You may require emergency contraception.
Should I take a pregnancy test?
If you have missed any pills in your pack and do not have a withdrawal bleed when taking the inactive pills at the end of the pack, it is best to take a pregnancy test.
What should I do if I vomit or have diarrhea when taking Yaz?
Vomiting and severe diarrhea can stop Yaz from been absorbed into your body. If you vomit within 3-4 hours of taking an active pill, you should take another pill immediately. Then take your next pill at your regular time. If you took your extra pill within 12 hours of your normal pill-taking time, you would still be protected against pregnancy. If not, you should follow the advice above for missed pills.
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