Patient's question:
How should I take short-term birth control pills?Doctor's answer:
Diane, a short-acting birth control pill, is taken starting on the first day of each menstrual period. Take the labeled daily pills from the blister pack and take them in order each day until you have taken 21 pills, then wait 7 days before starting the next pack. Even if your period hasn't stopped, begin taking the next pack on the 8th day. Take the pill at about the same time each day. If you miss a dose, not only will breakthrough bleeding occur again, but it may also affect breastfeeding success. If the package is leaking, in addition to taking the medication as prescribed, take an extra pill within 24 hours.