Does Taking Stomach Medication Affect the Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptives?

Emergency contraceptive pill

Hello, doctor: I have been taking the oral contraceptive "Yueji" correctly.
On December 7th, I had intercourse around noon, and in the evening, I visited a clinic due to gastrointestinal discomfort.
I forgot to inform the doctor that I was taking the contraceptive pill, and around 7 PM, I took a gastrointestinal medication (the medications prescribed at that clinic are quite strong).
Will this affect the contraceptive effectiveness from noon? Should I stop taking the contraceptive pill, or can I continue taking it along with the gastrointestinal medication?

Wu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/07

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

How do you determine if the medication is strong? It's best to consult the original physician for clarification.

Reply Date: 2015/12/07

More Info

When it comes to the interaction between stomach medications and emergency contraceptives, it's important to understand how these medications work and whether they can affect each other's efficacy.
Emergency contraceptives, 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, preventing fertilization, or inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg. On the other hand, stomach medications, particularly proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Nexium (esomeprazole) or H2 blockers like famotidine, are used to reduce stomach acid and treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcers.

Research indicates that most common stomach medications do not significantly affect the effectiveness of emergency contraceptives. For instance, studies have shown that PPIs and H2 blockers do not interfere with the pharmacokinetics of levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate. This means that taking these medications should not diminish the effectiveness of your emergency contraceptive taken earlier in the day.

However, it is crucial to consider the timing and the specific medications involved. If you took a strong stomach medication shortly after taking your emergency contraceptive, it is unlikely to have affected its efficacy. The stomach medications primarily work on the digestive system, and their action does not typically extend to altering the hormonal effects of contraceptives.

In your case, since you mentioned taking a stomach medication around 7 PM after having unprotected intercourse at noon, it is highly unlikely that the stomach medication would have any impact on the effectiveness of the emergency contraceptive. You should continue taking your regular contraceptive pills as prescribed. Stopping your regular contraceptive could lead to unintended pregnancy if you are not using another form of contraception.

That said, if you have any concerns about the specific medications you were prescribed or their potential interactions, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and the specific medications you are taking. Additionally, if you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects from the medications, you should seek medical attention.

In summary, taking stomach medications like PPIs or H2 blockers should not affect the effectiveness of emergency contraceptives. You can continue with your regular contraceptive regimen without interruption. Always keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider regarding any medications you are taking to ensure safe and effective use.

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