If I miss my period, when do I begin taking my next pack?

I specifically asked if I would need a backup form of contraception; my doctor told me that it wasn't necessary. I did have sex in the first seven days.

There was one day that I missed an active pill, so I took two at the same time the next day. The pill information says that a backup form is not necessary if you have only missed one pill. Other than that, I've been taking it everyday at the same time.

I do not know the exact dosage of iron in the reminder pills, but I have never taken iron supplements and did not think it was necessary. Their main purpose is to serve as reminder pills, anyways. I did not even think about telling my doctor about the supplements I take (vitamin c, vitamin d, and echinacea) , so thanks for the reminder!

Also, I had no idea that I wasn't having a real period. Thanks so much for the information and for answering my questions!

Does your doctor know that you are taking vitamins? (Some women, when asked by their doctor for a list of current medications, forget to mention vitamins). Be sure your doctor knows all of the medications and supplements you are taking, and ask if the extra iron in your inactive pills would "interfere" with your vitamins...I doubt they would interfere (do you know how much iron is in your vitamins, and how much is in the iron supplements in your pill?)

I'll answer your questions as you asked them:

1. Is it common to miss a period when one switches to a different oral contraceptive?
yes, it can be common and is normal

2. Did I do the correct thing by beginning my next pack today?
yes, it is important to continue taking the pill every day as directed

3. Do I need a back-up method of birth control?
I am unsure about this question---do you think you may be pregnant? Have you been taking the active pills perfectly (consistently and correctly, every day)?

4. Is there any chance that I'm pregnant?
If you have missed any active pills, there is a chance of pregnancy. Did your doctor instruct you to use a back-up method of birth control for the first 7 days of your new birth control pill? Did you have sex during this time?

5. With my last active pill ending on Tuesday, when can I expect my period to start?
You may have a late period or may not have a period this month, as beginning a new hormonal contraceptive can alter your cycle enough for this to happen. And, actually, did you know you don't actually have a "period" when you are on the pill? The bleeding you have is called "withdrawal bleeding" while you are off the active pills. Your body may not have had enough time during the 4 "inactive days" (no synthetic hormones) to trigger the withdrawal bleeding. You may experience "breakthrough bleeding" this month, however, which is annoying...it is spotting or light bleeding in-between "periods".

Let me know if I answered your questions, or if you have any follow-up questions!