Do Birth Control Pills Interact with Cold Medications?

Emergency contraceptive pills and cold medications?

Hello, my girlfriend started taking oral contraceptives (28 pills) on March 1st, and her period came at the end of March.
She has been taking them on time.
We had sexual intercourse with ejaculation on April 5th and 6th.
Starting on the 7th, she began to experience cold symptoms and some stomach discomfort.
She started taking over-the-counter medication on March 9th, and on the morning of March 10th, she had a fever and took Tylenol.
Later that evening, she experienced vomiting and significant stomach discomfort.
On March 11th, after lunch, she only took stomach medication and did not take any cold medicine, but shortly after, she vomited again.
I would like to know if there is any interaction between the oral contraceptives and the cold medication.
Are my girlfriend's symptoms side effects of the oral contraceptive, or is there a possibility that she could be pregnant?

Xiao Wang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/11

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

My girlfriend started taking oral contraceptives (28 pills) on March 1st, and her period came at the end of March.
She has been taking them on time.
We had sexual intercourse with ejaculation on April 5th and 6th.
Starting on the 7th, she began experiencing cold symptoms and some stomach discomfort.
She started taking over-the-counter medication on March 9th, and on the morning of March 10th, she had a fever and took Tylenol.
Later that evening, she experienced vomiting and significant stomach discomfort.
On March 11th, after lunch, she only took stomach medication and did not take any cold medicine, but shortly after, she vomited again.
I would like to know if there is any interaction between the oral contraceptives and the cold medication.
Are my girlfriend's symptoms side effects of the oral contraceptives, or is there a possibility of pregnancy? Answer: The symptoms are not side effects of the oral contraceptives; it is advisable to consult a physician.

Reply Date: 2017/04/11

More Info

When it comes to the interaction between birth control pills and cold medications, it is important to understand how these medications work and their potential effects on each other. Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, are designed to prevent ovulation and regulate menstrual cycles by delivering hormones such as estrogen and progestin. Cold medications, on the other hand, are used to alleviate symptoms associated with colds, such as congestion, cough, and fever.

Generally, most over-the-counter cold medications do not have a significant interaction with birth control pills. Common ingredients in cold medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), decongestants (like pseudoephedrine), and antihistamines (like diphenhydramine), do not typically affect the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives. However, there are some exceptions to consider.

One notable exception is the antibiotic rifampin, which can decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. While most cold medications do not fall into this category, it is always wise to check the specific ingredients of any medication you are taking. In your case, you mentioned taking over-the-counter medications for cold symptoms, including acetaminophen (Panadol), which is safe to use with birth control pills.

Regarding your symptoms of nausea and vomiting, these could be attributed to a variety of factors. It is possible that the nausea is a side effect of the cold medications, particularly if you are taking multiple medications or if you have a sensitive stomach. Additionally, if you have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, it could be related to a viral infection or the cold itself rather than the birth control pills.

As for the concern about pregnancy, if you have been taking your birth control pills consistently and correctly, the likelihood of becoming pregnant is low. However, if you missed any doses or took the pills irregularly, there is a possibility of reduced effectiveness. If you suspect you might be pregnant, the best course of action is to take a home pregnancy test after a missed period or consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while cold medications generally do not interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills, it is essential to be aware of what you are taking. If you continue to experience nausea and vomiting, or if you have concerns about potential pregnancy, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and help address any concerns you may have about your health and contraceptive methods.

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