Can You Take Pain Relievers While on Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Emergency contraceptive pill

Can I take stomach pain medication if I am on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)?

Xiao Rong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/17

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the following medications may interact with oral contraceptives:
1.
Antibiotics (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 lowering the effectiveness 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.
Antituberculosis medications (Rifampicin, Isoniazid).
5.
Antidiabetic medications (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 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.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2022/10/17

More Info

When it comes to taking pain relievers while on emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), it's important to understand the interactions and effects of both medications. Emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) or Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They work primarily by delaying ovulation and may also affect the uterine lining to prevent implantation.

In general, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken safely while using emergency contraceptive pills. There are no known significant interactions between these common pain relievers and ECPs. However, it is essential to consider the type of pain reliever you are taking and any underlying health conditions you may have.

1. Ibuprofen: This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is often used for pain relief and can help reduce inflammation. It is generally safe to take while on ECPs. However, if you have a history of gastrointestinal issues, such as ulcers or bleeding, you should consult with a healthcare provider before using ibuprofen.

2. Acetaminophen: This is another common pain reliever that is safe to use with ECPs. It is often recommended for headaches, muscle aches, and other mild to moderate pain. Unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen does not have anti-inflammatory properties but is effective for pain relief.

3. Aspirin: While aspirin can also be used for pain relief, it is an NSAID and may not be the best choice for everyone, especially if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other medications that could increase the risk of bleeding.

4. Prescription Pain Relievers: If you are prescribed stronger pain medications, such as opioids, it is crucial to discuss their use with your healthcare provider, especially in the context of taking emergency contraceptive pills.

In summary, you can generally take pain relievers while on emergency contraceptive pills, but it is always wise to consult with a healthcare professional regarding your specific situation, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.
Additionally, if you experience severe pain or discomfort that is not alleviated by over-the-counter medications, it is advisable to seek medical attention. This could indicate an underlying issue that may require further evaluation or treatment.
Lastly, while ECPs are effective in preventing pregnancy, they are not intended for regular contraceptive use. If you find yourself needing emergency contraception frequently, it may be beneficial to discuss long-term contraceptive options with your healthcare provider to find a method that suits your needs and lifestyle.

Similar Q&A

Can You Take Pain Relievers While on Birth Control Pills?

If you are taking birth control pills and have recently experienced a sore throat, taking pain relievers should not affect the efficacy of the contraceptive. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional regarding any concerns about medication interact...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the two do not affect each other. Wishing you good health.

Can You Take Pain Relievers While on Birth Control Pills?

On the third day of menstruation, I took the contraceptive pill Yaz on the first day. I would like to ask if it is okay to take EVE or Panadol (acetaminophen) to alleviate discomfort, as I am feeling unwell (dizzy). I am unsure if this discomfort is related to my period or the me...

Dr. Huang Yicheng reply Pharmacology
Hello, Ms. MIYABI: The main ingredient in EVE is Ibuprofen, which is a common analgesic in Taiwan. EVE typically consists of about four different medications or dosages, one of which is caffeine, which enhances the effectiveness of the analgesic, similar to how acetaminophen extr...

Can Pain Relievers Affect the Efficacy of Emergency Contraceptives?

Hello, I took the Ella emergency contraceptive pill yesterday, and I've been experiencing some headaches over the past two days. I'm wondering if I can take Tylenol or EVE pain relievers without affecting the efficacy of the contraceptive pill. Thank you!

Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello Ms. K, regarding the use of Ella emergency contraceptive pill, some headaches may be due to the side effects of this medication. The most commonly reported adverse reactions associated with this drug include headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, menstrual cramps, fatigue, and ...

Can You Take Tylenol After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Hello, doctor. After my girlfriend had sexual intercourse, the condom slipped off (with external ejaculation), and she took the emergency contraceptive pill, Plan B (active ingredient: Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg). However, after taking the medication, she experienced a headache and wa...

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
You can take Panadol, but if you still have a headache after taking it, you should seek medical attention to identify the underlying cause of the headache.