Managing Late Injections

  • If the client is less than 7 days late for a repeat injection, she can receive her next injection. No need for tests, evaluation, or a backup method.
  • A client who is more than 7 days late can receive her next injection if:
    • She has not had sex since 7 days after the scheduled date of her injection, or
    • She has used a backup method or has taken emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) after any unprotected sex since 7 days after the scheduled date of her injection. 
    • She will need a backup method for the first 7 days after the injection
  • If the client is more than 7 days late and does not meet these criteria, additional steps can be taken to be reasonably certain she is not pregnant (see Further Options to Assess for Pregnancy).
  • Discuss why the client was late and solutions. If coming back on time is often a problem, discuss using a backup method when she is late for her next injection, taking ECPs, or choosing another method.