Is taking pill early considered missing?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-29-2003
Is taking pill early considered missing?
1
Mon, 10-25-2004 - 1:50pm
This may seem like a silly question, but what if I take the pill a few hours (say 2-4 hours) BEFORE my usual time? Will this be seen as missing a pill? I mean I could take the pill with me to take it at the right time, but if there's a situation where you just absolutely can't take it at your regular time? Will I need backup, or is taking it early even better than taking it at the right time?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 10-25-2004 - 2:29pm
Hi mapper71, welcome back!

Taking a pill early isn't a problem immediately but if it is taken more than 2 hours early then it could make the next day’s pill late. Remember what you are trying to do is take your pills as close to 24 hours apart as possible, so taking a pill 4 hours early today and on time tomorrow means tomorrows pill will be taken after an interval of 28 hours. A way to compensate would be to adjust the times of the following day(s) to make up an hour or so each day. Taking a pill between 2 and 8 hours late is considered 'late' and might cause irregular bleeding if you are very sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. Occasionally being late isn't the end of the world but it's not a good habit to get into. Ok?

Take care,

      Jill