When should I start my next pack?

Quick start. During your medical appointment, take your first pill as soon as you get the pack from your doctor. Take the second pill the next day. During the first 7 days of pills, use a backup method of birth control, like a condom.

Can I start my next pack of pills early?

You can start taking birth control pills as soon as you get them — any day of the week, and anytime during your menstrual cycle. But when you’ll be protected from pregnancy depends on when you start and the kind of pill you’re using. You may need to use a backup birth control method (like condoms) for up to 7 days.

Do you have to follow the days on the pill packet?

It’s important to take every pill in a 21-day pack because there are no reminder (hormone-free) pills. The hormone pills will prevent pregnancy even if you have sex during the week when you don’t take any pills.

Can I start a new pack of birth control during the placebo pills?

Yup, it’s totally fine to skip the non-hormonal pills (aka placebo pills or reminder pills) in your pill pack. The non-hormonal pills are just there to help you remember to take your pill every day and start your next pack on time.

Can I start my new pack of birth control 2 days early?

You can start your new pack of birth control pills as soon as you feel like it. You don’t need to wait for your next period to start. But depending on what kind of pill you take, it might not be effective at preventing pregnancy until you’ve taken it for a full week.

How do you start the pill?

How to Get Started

1. First-day start. Take your first pill the day you get your period. Pregnancy protection kicks in right away, so you won’t need a backup contraceptive.
2. Quick start. You take the first pill in your pack right away.
3. Sunday start. Many pill packs are arranged to start on this day.

What should you not eat or drink while on birth control?

Drink orange, grapefruit, or pineapple juice. Eating a poor diet and using some forms of birth control, such as Depo Provera, may cause the amount of calcium stored in your bones to decrease. This can cause your bones to become thin and more likely to break.

What happens if I skip my placebo pills and go straight to a new pack?

Do you have to wait 7 days after starting a new pack?

To use a 21 – day pack: When the pack is done, wait 7 days before you start a new pack. You’ll get your period when you aren’t taking pills (hormone‑free days). You’re still protected from pregnancy during this time. The hormone‑free days must not be longer than 7 days.