From the Guidelines
If you can't remember whether you took your daily dose of desogestrel, take another dose as soon as possible, even if it means taking two pills on the same day, as the risk of an unintended pregnancy outweighs the risk of taking an extra dose. According to the U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use, 2013, a dose is considered missed if it has been more than 3 hours since it should have been taken 1.
When a dose is missed, it is recommended to:
- Take one pill as soon as possible
- Continue taking pills daily, one each day, at the same time each day, even if it means taking two pills on the same day
- Use backup contraception (e.g., condoms) or avoid sexual intercourse until pills have been taken correctly, on time, for 2 consecutive days
- Consider emergency contraception if unprotected sexual intercourse has occurred 1.
It's essential to take the missed pill as soon as possible to minimize the risk of an unintended pregnancy. If you're unsure about what to do or have frequently missed pills, discuss alternative contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider that might better suit your lifestyle. The goal is to maintain the contraceptive effect and prevent pregnancy, and taking an extra dose is a safer option than risking an unintended pregnancy.
From the FDA Drug Label
If a patient misses 1 white to off-white tablet, she should take the missed tablet as soon as she remembers. The answer to whether you should take another dose of desogestrel if you can't remember if you took your daily dose is: yes, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember. However, if you are still unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution and use a back-up method of birth control if you have intercourse in the 7 days after missing pills 2.
From the Research
Missing a Dose of Desogestrel
If you miss a dose of desogestrel, it is essential to follow the recommended guidelines to maintain the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill.
- If you are less than 12 hours late taking your dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember and continue with the next dose at the usual time 3.
- If you are more than 12 hours late taking your dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and use a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, for the next 2 days.
Double Dosing
There is evidence to suggest that taking a double dose of desogestrel may be effective in certain situations, such as adolescent menstrual dysfunction 4. However, this does not necessarily apply to missing a dose of desogestrel for contraceptive purposes.
- Taking a double dose of desogestrel may increase the risk of side effects, such as venous thromboembolism 5.
- It is crucial to weigh the risks and benefits of taking a double dose of desogestrel and to consult with a healthcare professional if you are unsure about what to do.
General Guidance
When taking desogestrel, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage and schedule to maintain the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill.