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Progesterone pill on Yom Kippur

30 July, 2009

Question:

Hello,

In the past I have been on the combination pill over Yom Kippur, and successfully dealt with it by taking one pill right before the fast started, the next right after it ended.

This year I am on the mini pill, and I’ve already had one month where I got my period a week early because I took the pill about 12 hours too late.

I normally take the mini pill at 8 AM. It seems clear to me that I’ll get into trouble again, if I take it hours later. What should I do this Yom Kippur?

Thank you very much for your help.


Answer:

You are correct that the timing of progesterone only pills is important.

Dr. Deena Zimmerman, medical director of our website, recommends gradually adjusting the timing of the pills. If you currently take a pill each morning, you can gradually alter the time in advance, moving about one hour later each day until you are taking a pill in the evening. After the fast, you can gradually move the time back to the morning whenever it is convenient. Since the change in routine may make it more difficult for you to remember to take the pill, you may want to set up some type of reminder (e.g., on your cellphone).

If you cannot adjust the timing, and if this pill is neither sugar coated nor sweet, you may swallow it directly without water.  As it is a small pill, water should not be necessary. If the pill is sugar coated or sweet, you should wrap it in a kosher gelatin capsule (available at pharmacies), or in a small piece of paper, before swallowing it on Yom Kippur morning without water.

G’mar chatimah tovah!


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