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Combined oral contraceptive missed pill — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModeratePatient Counselling and Pharmaceutical CareCombined oral contraceptive missed pillGPhC CRA

A patient taking a combined oral contraceptive forgot one pill yesterday and remembered today. She has taken the missed pill now and asks what to do next. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Continue the remaining pills at the usual time

Missing one combined oral contraceptive pill is usually managed by taking the missed pill when remembered and continuing the pack as usual. Additional contraception may not be required for a single missed pill, depending on product and timing, but the leaflet or FSRH advice should be checked. Taking multiple extra pills or stopping the pack can increase confusion and reduce efficacy. Emergency contraception is assessed based on timing and number of missed pills.

Reference: FSRH guidance; BNF