Do Dexilant and Birth Control Pills Interact? What You Need to Know

Drug interactions with contraceptive pills?

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if there is any interaction between the contraceptive pills I am currently taking (I am almost done with the second pack) and the medication I received from my gastroenterologist, which is Dexilant DR 60mg.
Will this medication affect the effectiveness of my contraceptive pills? Thank you for your response.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/17

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the following medications can interact with oral contraceptives:
1.
Antibiotics (Penicillin, Cephalosporins, Erythromycin, Sulfonamides, Bactrim, Chloramphenicol, Doxycycline) may 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 lowering the efficacy of the contraceptive.
2.
Sedatives (Barbiturates) can increase the metabolism of oral contraceptives, reducing their effectiveness.
3.
Antiepileptic drugs (Primidone, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine) can also increase the metabolism of oral contraceptives, leading to decreased effectiveness.
4.
Tuberculosis medications (Rifampicin, Isoniazid).
5.
Antidiabetic medications (Rosiglitazone).
6.
Acetaminophen and Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) may inhibit estrogen metabolism, potentially increasing its concentration in the body and raising the risk 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 herbs may have additive or subtractive effects with oral contraceptives.
Additionally, any medication should be taken with water and not with tea, coffee, or other beverages, as this may affect the medication's efficacy.
Therefore, if you need to take any of the aforementioned medications while on oral contraceptives, it is advisable to use additional contraceptive measures for seven days.
The likelihood of stomach medications affecting efficacy is low.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2022/08/17

More Info

When considering the interaction between Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) and birth control pills, it's important to understand how each medication works and the potential implications of taking them together. Dexilant is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used primarily to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions related to excessive stomach acid. Birth control pills, on the other hand, are hormonal contraceptives that prevent ovulation and regulate menstrual cycles.

The concern about drug interactions primarily revolves around how one medication might affect the metabolism or effectiveness of the other. In the case of Dexilant and birth control pills, current evidence suggests that Dexilant does not significantly affect the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives. This is because Dexilant does not alter the metabolism of the hormones in birth control pills in a way that would reduce their effectiveness.

However, it is essential to consider a few factors:
1. Absorption: PPIs like Dexilant can alter the acidity of the stomach, which might theoretically affect the absorption of certain medications. However, studies have shown that the absorption of the hormones in birth control pills is not significantly impacted by PPIs.

2. Individual Variability: Each person's body can react differently to medications. While the general consensus is that Dexilant does not interfere with birth control pills, individual responses can vary. Factors such as other medications, overall health, and metabolic differences can play a role.

3. Consulting Healthcare Providers: It is always advisable to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current medications. If you have any specific concerns about the effectiveness of your birth control while taking Dexilant, your doctor may suggest additional contraceptive methods or monitoring.

4. Potential Side Effects: While Dexilant is generally well-tolerated, it can have side effects such as headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking both medications, it's important to consult your healthcare provider.

5. Alternative Options: If you are concerned about potential interactions or side effects, there are alternative medications for managing stomach acid that may have different profiles regarding interactions with hormonal contraceptives. Discussing these options with your healthcare provider can help you make an informed decision.

In summary, based on current medical knowledge, Dexilant is not expected to interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. However, it is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider regarding any medications you are taking, especially when starting a new treatment. They can provide the most accurate and personalized advice, ensuring that both your contraceptive needs and gastrointestinal health are effectively managed.

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