antibiotics and birth control

angelofcharlie20 · June 2010

Hi Ladies,

Wondering what you ladies have heard in regards to using a back up method when taking an antibiotic....

Here is what I have heard so far from health care professionals. All different. The prescribing doctor told me that the antibiotic (Bactrim) would not affect my birth control (Tri Sprintec)

The pharmacist told me to use a back up method for the course of the prescription and 24 hrs afterwards. (4 days total)

The nurses at the doctor's office said to use a back up plan for one month or until my last period.

What's a girl to do?

bhrett · June 2010

I've heard what the nurses said and it never hurts to be safe, but if you like to live on the edge--aka what I would do--go with the pharmacist. I'd say it's anyone's call, but in the end it's your body...

"As for other antibiotics, the evidence for birth control pill compromise is less clear. In theory, the penicillin and tetracycline category of antibiotics, as well as some others, could impair the effectiveness of the pill. Early studies done 15 to 20 years ago found evidence of such an interaction; however, more recent studies have been inconclusive. "

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/sexual-health/birth-control/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100138980

HTH

Cuardraro · June 2010

I would only go by what your birth control information sheet/guide tells you to do. You can probably even look up the info online on their website.

LemonLover33 · June 2010

They have a hard time proving the link. If you really don't want kids or take the chance then I would use a back up method. My husband and I just use the pull and pray "method" while on antibiotics because it wouldn't be the end of the world if I did get pregnant. We do this until I am done with the medicine. http://www.riversideonline.com/health_reference/Womens-Health/WO00098.cfm Can antibiotics decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills?The effects of antibiotics on birth control pills may be overstated ? except in the case of one antibiotic, rifampin. Studies clearly show that rifampin decreases the effectiveness of birth control pills in preventing ovulation. However, rifampin isn't a widely used antibiotic. Chances are you wouldn't be taking it unless you had tuberculosis or had tested positive for the disease.Hypothetically speaking, other antibiotics, particularly penicillin and tetracycline derivatives, could impair the effectiveness of birth control pills. However, no large studies have proved such an effect.Researchers can't rule out the possibility that a small percentage of women may experience decreased effectiveness of birth control pills while taking an antibiotic. And if you're taking a newer, extremely low-dose oral contraceptive, you could be more susceptible to these potential effects from antibiotics. If you're concerned, consider using a barrier method of contraception for the duration of your antibiotic prescription. http://www.livestrong.com/article/108288-antibiotics-weaken-birth-control/ Rifampin is the only drug listed by MayoClinic as being positively identified as a drug that affects birth control.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/108288-antibiotics-weaken-birth-control/#ixzz0qzJUamc4

sweetypie · June 2010

I would use a back up.

Violet_McPurpleson · June 2010

Cuardraro:
I would only go by what your birth control information sheet/guide tells you to do. You can probably even look up the info online on their website.

This!

It's seriously not that hard to read the info that comes with your BC. It's the responsible thing to do and if you're going to live on the edge with your BC then what is the point? If pregnancy prevention is what you want out of it, then err on the side of caution.

Maybride2 · June 2010

If my DH and I were not ready for children, we'd err on the side of caution and use back-up for the rest of that cycle. So I guess the question is: how willing are you and your DH to risk pregnancy? Are you two cool with an oopsie right now? What would be worse to you, using condoms for a few weeks or getting knocked up?

picksthemusic · June 2010

It varies what you hear because no two meds are the same. But as a rule, you should always back up if you're on BCP and taking antibiotics. They have a tendency to make BCPs less effective. If you're not ready to be pregnant, I wouldn't chance it.

616love630 · June 2010

antibiotics while on birth control is how I got my beautiful nephew! just FYI!

I always use backup on antibiotics, just in case, my dr. said for a week after finishing them as well, but that was possibly a little extra safe, I def didn't want a baby!

PollyPrissyPants02 · June 2010

My best friend was taking antibiotics while on the pill and she just welcomed a beautiful baby girl last week.. If it was me, I would err on the side of caution and use a back up for at least a week.

agfisher · June 2010

I was always told to use a backup for at least one menstrual cycle. Between one day, one week, or one cycle, I would definitely err on the side of caution and assume the longest is correct. I had to start taking antibiotics the week after my wedding, which meant using condoms on our honeymoon. (We haven't used condoms in over 2 years.) It was not that bad at all. We found some we liked and have had no problems. (I started taking the meds right after my period, so just to be on the safe side we used condoms for two cycles- definitely not taking chances!)

pooh8402 · July 2010

I am a women's health nurse and the advice I give is: better safe than sorry. always use a backup when taking antibiotics. it's not necessary to do so for the entire cycle, just the days you are taking the meds.

antibiotics and birth control

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