Expired Birth Control
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| Fri, 04-14-2006 - 6:34pm |
I am taking Orthotricyclen Lo, recently ran out of my prescription, but was waiting for my doctor to fill a new prescription for me. I had an extra pack of pills laying around so started that after my cycle ended. I had taken 3 days of those pills when I noticed they had expired over 6 months ago. So I had my new prescription filled and started into my new pack of GOOD pills and have taken 2 good pills. I know it's not good to use meds after they have expired so here's my question(s):
How many good pills do I need to take before it is safe to have sex without a back-up method of birth control? Is this like taking an antibiotic where I need additional protection until my next cycle and start a new pack of pills? Or will I be safe from getting pregnant now that I have taken 2 days of good pills?
Thanks in advance for the help! I have been taking the pill for over 8 years and this is a first goof. Oops! :)

Hi xicas, welcome!
>>How many good pills do I need to take before it is safe to have sex without a back-up method of birth control? <<
You need to use back-up until you have taken at least 7 active pills in a row and correctly from the new pack while any decrease in your protection is corrected. If you had intercourse since you began the expired pills you might want to consider taking emergency contraception. I think you are probably safe because the likelihood is slight that your ovulation process has started but if you wanted to do as much as possible to protect yourself then EC is an option. EC is most effective if taken within the first 72 hours after the incident of concern. For more about EC see: http://ec.princeton.edu/ .
>>Is this like taking an antibiotic where I need additional protection until my next cycle and start a new pack of pills? Or will I be safe from getting pregnant now that I have taken 2 days of good pills? <<
It is somewhat the same as having to take at least 7 (or sometimes 14) active pills in a row after the last dose of an antibiotic. In the case of missing/expired pills (worst case the expired pills were ineffective) you need to take at least 7 actives in a row before your protection is restored.
Thanks for coming by. Please ask if you have more Qs. Let us know how you're doing.
Good luck,
Jill
Hi deepintheheartoftx, welcome!
It's a really good idea to check the exp. date on medicines before taking them. Your pills may not have been ineffective but it's never a good idea to push your luck with something as
Jill
Hi deepintheheartoftx, welcome back hon!
Jill
WOO-HOO!!! Yay for Aunt Flo!!! That's such good news!
Hugs,
Jill