Livermore, CA
A 34-year-old female asked:
I take my bcp at 8am could i change the time i take it to 6:30am? once i finish my placebo pills and start a new pack? will this affect the effectiveness of the pill protecting me?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Kwokanswered
Pediatrics 35 years experience
No difference: A woman on combination birth control pills, taking them properly, and is beyond her first pack of pills... has no fertile days. She is not fertile when on birth control pills. That means she has protection against pregnancy every day, regardless of where she is in her pill pack. Switching to a new time a few hours away does not noticeably alter her protection level, meaning there is no difference.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
45 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Christine Homanswered
Pediatrics 32 years experience
Oral contraceptives: You are right! Keeping to a schedule and taking the pill every day is important to effectiveness of birth control However, 90 minutes difference is not significant and you may switch to the earlier time at your convenience without worrying - today, tomorrow or when you choose.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
45 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 13, 2020
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