Impact of Antibiotics on Birth Control Pills: What You Need to Know

Emergency contraceptive pills and antibiotics?

I have been taking Qlaira for a month, and after finishing the 21 days, I took erythromycin prescribed by my doctor for three days during the 7-day break.
I would like to know how significantly the use of antibiotics during the break affects the effectiveness of the birth control pill.
Do I need to use additional contraceptive measures for a few days after finishing the antibiotics? Thank you.

Yú ròu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/01

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello,
Medications that may interact with oral contraceptives include:
1.
Antibiotics (such as Penicillin, Cephalosporins, Erythromycin, Sulfonamides, Bactrim, Chloramphenicol, Doxycycline) can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
When taking these medications, alternative contraceptive methods should be employed, as they may decrease the gut flora that aids in absorption, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the contraceptive.
2.
Sedatives (such as Barbiturates) can increase the metabolism of oral contraceptives, leading to decreased contraceptive effectiveness.
3.
Antiepileptic drugs (such as Primidone, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine) can also increase the metabolism of oral contraceptives, reducing their effectiveness.
4.
Antituberculosis medications (such as Rifampicin, Isoniazid).
5.
Antidiabetic medications (such as Rosiglitazone).
6.
Acetaminophen and Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) may inhibit the metabolism of estrogen, potentially increasing its concentration in the body and leading to a higher incidence of side effects.
7.
Oral contraceptives can affect the action of anticoagulants.
8.
Smoking can increase the metabolism of oral contraceptives, reducing their effectiveness.
9.
Long-term consumption of tea or certain herbal products may have additive or subtractive effects on oral contraceptives.
Additionally, any medication should be taken with water and not with beverages like tea or coffee, as this may affect the medication's effectiveness.
Therefore, if you need to take any of the aforementioned medications while on oral contraceptives, it is advisable to use additional contraceptive measures for at least seven days.

Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.

Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2022/07/01

More Info

When it comes to the interaction between antibiotics and birth control pills, it's important to understand how certain antibiotics can potentially affect the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives. The concern primarily revolves around whether antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, leading to unintended pregnancies.

Most antibiotics do not interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. However, there are exceptions, with rifampin and rifabutin being the most notable examples. These antibiotics are used to treat conditions like tuberculosis and can significantly lower the levels of hormones in birth control pills, thereby reducing their effectiveness. On the other hand, erythromycin, which you mentioned taking, is generally not known to have this effect.
In your case, you took erythromycin for three days during the seven-day break after completing your 21-day course of the birth control pill, "Qilian." Since erythromycin is not one of the antibiotics that are known to interfere with hormonal contraceptives, it is unlikely that your birth control's effectiveness was compromised during that time. However, it is always prudent to consult with your healthcare provider regarding any specific concerns about medications and their interactions.

Regarding your question about whether you need to take additional contraceptive measures after finishing the antibiotic, the general recommendation is that if you are taking a non-interfering antibiotic like erythromycin, you do not need to add extra contraception. However, if you are ever prescribed antibiotics that are known to interact with birth control pills, it is advisable to use a backup method, such as condoms, during the course of the antibiotic treatment and for at least seven days after completing the antibiotic course.

It's also worth noting that while the risk of pregnancy may be low, no contraceptive method is 100% effective. Therefore, if you have concerns about potential pregnancy, consider taking a pregnancy test if your period is late or if you experience any unusual symptoms.

In summary, based on current medical knowledge, taking erythromycin for three days during your pill-free week is unlikely to have significantly impacted the effectiveness of your birth control. However, always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if you have any lingering concerns or if you are prescribed a different antibiotic in the future. It's essential to stay informed about how medications can interact and to take proactive steps to ensure effective contraception.

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