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Sometimes schedules get hectic, and birth control isn't the first thing
on your mind. If you forgot to change your birth control patch on time,
follow these instructions and pay close attention to whether or not you
need to use a backup method of birth control, such as condoms or spermicide.
Click on the link that best describes your situation:
If you are more than 1 day late in putting on your first patch:
- To avoid becoming pregnant, you MUST use backup contraception for 1
week
- Apply the first patch of your new cycle as soon as you remember
- You will now have a new Day 1 and a new Patch Change Day
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If you forget to change your patch during week 2 or 3:
- If you are only 1 or 2 days late, remove the used patch and apply a
new patch immediately
- The next patch should be applied on your normal Patch Change Day
- No backup contraception is needed
- If it has been more than 2 days past your last Patch Change Day, to
avoid becoming pregnant you MUST use backup contraception for 1 week
- Remove the used patch and apply a new patch as soon as you remember
to start a new 4 week cycle
- You will now have a new Day 1 and a new Patch
Change Day
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If you forget to take your patch off during week 4:
- Take the Patch off as soon as you remember. Start your next cycle on
your normal Patch Change Day
- No backup contraception is needed
Under no circumstances should there be more than a 7-day, patch-free interval
between cycles. The risk of ovulation increases with each day after the
recommended "patch-free" week. If there are more than 7 patch-free
days, YOU MAY NOT BE PROTECTED FROM PREGNANCY and backup contraception,
such as condoms, spermicide, or a diaphragm, must be used for 1 week.
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