Facts About the Pill How it Works The birth control pill is made up of the artificial female hormones, estrogen and progesterone.  If taken correctly these synthetic hormones changes the body's normal hormonal balance so that no egg is released from the ovaries and the woman cannot become pregnant.

Instructions for Use

1. Take the first pill on the first pack on the Sunday after your period starts, even if you are still bleeding.  If your period begins on Sunday, start that same day.
2. Take a pill at the same time every day until the pack is empty.
3. Use another method of birth control as a backup method anytime you have sex from the Sunday you start your first pack until the next Sunday (seven days).
4. When you finish a pack, start the next pack on the next day.  Take a pill everyday.  Do not wait any days between packs.  (For example, if you finish on Saturday, start your next pack on Sunday.)  Your starting day for a new pack will always be on a Sunday.
5. Many women have spotting or bleeding or may feel sick to their stomach during the first three months on the pill.  Try taking your pills with food in the evening.   The problems will usually go away.  If it does not, check with your clinic.
6. Missing pills can also cause some spotting or bleeding, even if you make up the missed pills.  You could also feel a little sick to your stomach on the days you take two pills to make up for missed pills.
7. If you have vomiting or diarrhea or if you take medicines, such as antibiotics, Diflucan or St. John's Wort, your pills may not works as well.  Use a backup method, such as condoms and foams while you are taking these medications or while you are having vomiting or diarrhea and for 7 - 10 days after.
8. Always be sure you are prepared:  Have on hand another kind of birth control (such as condoms and foam) to use as a backup in case you miss pills and Sexually Transmitted Disease Protection.
9. Having sex without protection may require emergency contraception!

1. If you miss one pill:
   • Take it as soon as you remember and take the next pill at the usual time.  This means you may take two pills in one day.  If you do this, use a backup method for seven days.
2. If you miss two pills in a row in the first two weeks:
   • Take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the next day, then take one pill a day until you finish the pack.
   • Also, use another method of birth control; such as condoms and foam, as a backup if you have sex in the seven days after you miss the pills
3. If you miss two pills in a row in the third week
   or
   
4. If you miss three or more pills in a row anytime:
   1. Keep taking a pill everyday through Sunday
   2. On Sunday discard the rest of the pack and start a new pack of pills that same day.
      Also, use a backup method of birth control if you have sex in the seven days after you miss the pills.
5. If you forget any of the seven "reminder" pills (without hormones) in week four, just discard the pills you missed and keep taking one pill each day until the pack is empty. You do not need a backup method.