Importance of ''the pill''

when women go on the contraceptive pill, they are told by the pharmacist/ doctor/ nurse etc that they should take it for example for 21 days at the same time on each day; Why? and is it really important that they follow this instruction?

I've never...

come across this on leaflets that come with the pills...just crossed my mind.
Thanks again all

Because the pill needs to be regulated in the woman's system and if it's taken at all different times it becomes very difficult to be regulated, if it's not being regulated properly the pill because less effective.

It should say it on the leaflets, but anyway, Stephanie is right.

It is a good idea to take the pill everyday at the same time, it is more effective, and it is harder to forget if it is part of your daily routine. (Also, if a woman is experiencing breakthrough bleeding, taking the pill at the same time everyday can help): estronaut.com/a/pill_how_to_take.htm

It is also to get you into the habit of taking it everyday on time. A lot of people are not in the habit of doing something at X time every day.