To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, oral contraceptives must be taken exactly as directed and at intervals not exceeding 24 hours.

For a DAY 1 START, count the first day of menstrual flow as Day 1 and the first light blue tablet is then taken on Day 1. For a SUNDAY START when menstrual flow begins on or before Sunday, the first light blue tablet is taken on that day. With either a DAY 1 START or SUNDAY START, 1 light blue tablet is taken for 7 days, then 1 light yellow-green tablet for 9 days, then 1 light blue tablet for 5 days, then 1 orange tablet (inert) for 7 days, whether bleeding has stopped or not. With either a DAY 1 START or SUNDAY START 1 tablet is taken each day at the same time for 28 days. After all 28 tablets are taken, whether bleeding has stopped or not, the same dosage schedule is repeated beginning on the following day.