ok so i'm on alesse, have been for almost the whole month now. i have a question...i heard somewhere (on a doctor's site) that taking the pill an hour late really won't affect its effectiveness. i usually take it between 9 and 10 at night but i try to take it before 10pm. i was just wondering...does anyone know how long it really is safe to forget the pill (specifically alesse) and still have it be effective? one time i forgot for an hour and a half but other than that it's usually within the hour range. may be a silly question but i'd like to know. :) thanks!

oh and also...how long does it take for the pill to be fully effective? i believe it's after the first pack...but my dr. wasn't very clear.

im not on the same one as you, but i believe there is a time window.. check the instructions they should have specific information.

and i think you are right about the after 1 pack thing.. i'd maybe wait 2 just incase if youre worried

Actually it's a 7 day wait before it becomes effective. Most doctors will tell you to wait a month, just so you get the timing right when taking it and you get in the habit. If you started it on the first day of your period, you're protected right away, but if you started it on the Sunday after your period started, it takes 7 days to become effective. Read your brochure packet of information that came with your pills.

I have never missed it for more than 5 hours but one time I didn't take it within 5 hours of the usual time and I was just fine. It is good to take it at the same time everyday but if it is one or 2 hours late you will be ok. Set an alarm if it will help you remember.