Interactions Between Emergency Contraceptives and Sleep Medications: What You Need to Know

Interactions between emergency contraceptive pills and sedatives?

Hello, I am using the contraceptive pill (Qili'an) for the first time, but I regularly take two types of sleeping pills (1.
Rohypnol 0.5mg / 2.
Zolpidem 25mg) to treat sleep disorders.
I would like to ask: 1.
How many days of taking the pill are required to achieve contraceptive effectiveness? 2.
Do these two sleeping medications interact with the contraceptive pill and reduce its effectiveness? 3.
Originally, I took the contraceptive pill during the day; can I switch to taking it with the sleeping pills at night the next day? Will this affect its efficacy? Thank you.

yan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/22

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

This is the first time using the oral contraceptive pill (Qilian) for contraception, but I usually take two types of sleeping pills (1.
Rohypnol 0.5mg / 2.
Zolpidem 25mg) for sleep disorders.
I would like to ask:
1.
How many days of use are needed to achieve contraceptive effectiveness?
Answer: 7-14 days.
2.
Do these two sleeping medications interact with the contraceptive pill and reduce its effectiveness?
Answer: There is a mild interaction.
3.
Originally, the contraceptive pill was taken during the day; can it be changed to take it at night with the sleeping pills the next day? Will this affect its effectiveness?
Answer: Taking them separately is less likely to affect the effectiveness.

Reply Date: 2019/03/22

More Info

When considering the interactions between emergency contraceptives and sleep medications, it is essential to understand how these medications work and their potential interactions.
1. Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptives: Emergency contraceptives, such as the one you mentioned (祈麗安, which likely refers to a combination of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol), typically become effective after a certain period of consistent use. Generally, it is recommended to take the emergency contraceptive as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours. However, if you are using a regular contraceptive pill, it usually takes about 7 days of consistent use for it to be fully effective in preventing pregnancy. Therefore, if you have started taking the emergency contraceptive, you should use additional contraception (like condoms) for at least the first week.

2. Interactions with Sleep Medications: Regarding your sleep medications, the two you mentioned—Rifampicin (羅氏利福全) and Zolpidem (煩多閃)—can indeed interact with hormonal contraceptives. Rifampicin is known to induce liver enzymes that can metabolize hormones more quickly, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill. This means that if you are taking Rifampicin, it could lower the effectiveness of your emergency contraceptive. On the other hand, Zolpidem does not have a significant interaction with hormonal contraceptives, and it is generally considered safe to use alongside them. However, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific medications and any potential interactions.

3. Timing of Medication: Changing the timing of when you take your contraceptive pill from daytime to nighttime should not affect its efficacy, as long as you take it consistently at the same time each day. The key is to maintain a regular schedule to ensure that hormone levels remain stable in your body. If you find it more convenient to take your contraceptive pill at night, you can certainly do so. Just ensure that you continue to take it at the same time each night to maintain its effectiveness.

In summary, while the combination of emergency contraceptives and sleep medications can be managed, it is crucial to be aware of the potential interactions, especially with Rifampicin. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that you are using your medications safely and effectively. Additionally, if you experience any unusual side effects or have concerns about your medications, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare professional for guidance.

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