ok so i just started my period, after being on the pill for 21 days (my first month ever). since i was new to it, i missed the timing maybe 5 times or so.. .a few times i took it within 3 hours, and maybe twice i took it the next morning , maybe 10 -12 hours later. so my question is... for the upcoming month, if i take it at the right time every day (I have set my alarm clock now and am generally better at remembering) will i be fine without back up? or since i missed it so much last month should i use back up to be safe? fyi - for at least the last week and a half i have taken it on time

does anyone know?

Three hours later is probably the limit for being late taking a pill, whereas if you take it 10 - 12 hours later, I think it's considered a missed pill. Since you were that late twice, I would use backup until your next period arrives just to be on the safe side, or you could check with your doctor about it.

you will be fine next month if you don't miss any pills in next months pack. The pills you missed this cycle will not effect next cycle