Antibiotics and birth control pills. Birth control pills and antibiotics

Antibiotics and contraceptives are two different categories drugs. However, it is believed that some antibiotics may interact with contraceptives, making them less effective.

Contraceptives, or contraceptives- this is medications used to prevent pregnancy or conception. The use of such drugs is considered one of the most effective methods family planning to help avoid unwanted pregnancy.

Oral contraceptive pills contain the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which control ovulation. Ovulation is the process of releasing an egg from the ovary. If ovulation does not occur, fertilization, i.e. conception also becomes impossible. On the other hand, antibiotics are drugs whose main purpose is to kill bacteria. In this regard, they are mainly used to treat bacterial infections.

Over the years, many cases of unexpected pregnancies have been reported by women who have used both types of drugs at the same time. For this reason, it is suspected that some antibiotics may be able to reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Nonetheless, medical research studies conducted to confirm the existence of a possible relationship between these two types of drugs are not enough.

It is believed that some birth control pills contain low doses of hormones and therefore their effect on the body can be suppressed by the effects of strong antibiotics.

Some medications, particularly antibiotics, can interfere with the liver's ability to break down hormones such as estrogen.

More active breakdown of estrogen, stimulated by antibiotics, can lower the level of this hormone in the body. This, in turn, reduces the efficiency contraceptives.

Again, antibiotics can destroy both harmful and beneficial bacteria located in the human intestine. As already mentioned, the liver breaks down estrogen into other chemical substances, which then pass further through the intestines. In the gut, these chemicals are converted into active estrogen by intestinal bacteria. Concerning The effectiveness of oral contraceptives depends to a large extent on intestinal bacteria , and their destruction may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs. In addition, some women may experience menstrual cycle while taking antibiotics and oral contraceptives at the same time.

Other drugs besides antibiotics are also capable of interacting with contraceptives. For example, it is believed that the effectiveness of oral contraceptives is affected by phenobarbital.

Phenobarbital It is essentially a sedative that is used to treat sleep disorders, anxiety and tension.

So, although there is not enough evidence to support the suggestion that antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, it is better to be careful. Thus, women who do not want to become pregnant unplanned are advised to seek help alternative methods prevention of pregnancy when taking antibiotics. This does not mean that you should stop taking oral contraceptives. You can also use birth control and other methods of preventing pregnancy instead of relying on oral pills alone.

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Questions and answers on: antibiotics and birth control pills

2009-04-22 01:09:28

Svetlana asks:

Hello. I have one question that worries me a lot... Last month critical days I had 11 days (instead of 7), VERY painful. I visited the gynecologist. She said everything was fine. She prescribed me antibiotics and birth control pills. But she didn't really explain anything. I worry. For some reason I don't trust the doctor. This is my first time. I am 20 years old. Tell me what worked possible cause and is it serious? What should I do to prevent this from happening again? Thank you very much for your answer

Responsible Konovalenko Natalia Vladimirovna:

Svetlana, hello! Normal duration monthly - 3-7 days. That is, the duration of your menstruation - 11 days - cannot be considered normal. The first few days of menstruation are usually copious discharge, then the intensity of bleeding decreases. During the period of menstruation, a woman usually loses 20-50 ml of blood per day, in general - no more than 250 ml per menstruation. The body compensates for this loss quickly. Menstrual blood is usually bright scarlet, has a specific odor, and usually does not clot.
If in menstrual flow You sometimes find blood clots, you should not immediately panic. Often this happens because the enzymes can not cope with the abundance of secretions and let the so-called "untransformed" blood pass, which accumulates in the vagina and coagulates there. Clots may occur in women using intrauterine devices(Navy).
By the way, the IUD can provoke more abundant, as well as painful periods. Smearing character bloody issues at the beginning and end of menstruation - this is a normal phenomenon if they last no more than 2 days. Too long "daub" may be a manifestation of the presence of various pathological processes(eg, endometriosis, cysts, polyps, etc.). A large number of clots can be a manifestation of diseases. In such cases, you should immediately consult a doctor. Normally, menstruation should also not be too painful.
The reasons leading to menstrual irregularities can be very different. More plentiful and prolonged menstruation may occur after a strong nervous stress. Violation of the menstrual cycle should not be repeated in the absence of repeated action the factor that caused it. Increase the duration of menstruation can intense physical pain as a result of an injury, operation, bruise, injury. Violation of the menstrual cycle may be a consequence of a change in habitual environment- when moving, changing the climate zone. Sometimes the regularity of menstruation is disrupted due to a sharp change in the working regime, with stress and physical overload. Often cause menstrual irregularities infectious diseases: frequent sore throats, flu, chronic tonsillitis, ORZ, chicken pox rubella, rheumatism, mumps). Violation hormonal background, as well as various organic diseases female genital organs can also cause menstrual irregularities.
It is not entirely clear to me why they were appointed to you antibacterial agents if everything is fine with you. If there is some kind of inflammatory process in the female genital area, then before prescribing treatment, it is necessary thorough examination and ascertaining the causes. Only then will the treatment have an effect. Before the appointment of oral contraceptives, it is also recommended to conduct a survey of the hormonal status of a woman. I think, Svetlana, it makes sense to see another gynecologist and hear another opinion about your current state. It is necessary to examine you, conduct an examination, then it will be possible to say whether what happened to you is serious, or is it an isolated case, and outline a plan of action if necessary. Do not be afraid to ask questions to the doctor, you must understand what is happening to you, and the doctor is obliged to tell you this. All the best to you, I wish you to find a solution to the problems that have arisen!

2008-03-11 16:17:24

Anna asks:

Good afternoon! I have polycystic left ovary and a cyst, but this cyst bursts every year during the menstrual cycle, it flows out.
I was first examined by one doctor, she attributed antibiotics and birth control pills to me on A4 sheet on both sides. The second doctor wrote the same, but a little less. But, I was afraid to take them, please tell me how you can cure a polycystic cyst. Doctors say that infertility is possible. Thank you in advance.

Responsible Baksheev Sergey Nikolaevich:

Based on the information you provided, it is impossible to answer the question. There is a lot of information on the Internet about the diagnosis of polycystic ovaries, try searching in search engines, and regarding treatment, I absolutely cannot give recommendations without knowing the clinical situation. I apologize for such an answer, but I do so in order to avoid unprofessional advice.

2015-09-15 11:01:15

Angela asks:

Hello! As a result of a medical examination at a gynecologist's appointment, candidal vaginitis was detected (the results from a smear: leukocytes in the cervix 80-100, in the vagina 40-50-60, elements of the fungus, candida, (spores), were found
Treatment: fluconazole, pimafucin suppositories, douching with Malavit and application of Genofort cream ... the partner was treated with fluconazole and pimafucin cream, he did not undergo an examination. then after the treatment, I again took a smear and the results showed: leukocytes in the cervix 80-100, and in the vagina 7-10, elements of the fungus, candida, (spores) ... the doctor said that either I was not cured, or the drugs were fake, or due to the fact that I continue to take birth control pills, or another reason. I was diagnosed with chronic candidal vaginitis and sluggish endometritis ... I passed another series analyses, as a result Next: Chlamydia Trichomatis Negative, Virus herpes simplex Type 1.2 - negative, Human papillomavirus of high oncogenic risk - negative. Cultures of ureaplasma urealiticum > 10*4 cfu/ml were issued. Mother's name S CHANNEL. Sensitivity to antibiotics: rovomycin, josamycin, rulid. With these results I will go to the doctor only in a month, since the doctor is now on vacation. Can you tell me how dangerous this is? I especially don’t understand about ureaplasma and inflammation in the uterus due to the large number of leukocytes .... And does the partner need to be examined?

Responsible Wild Nadezhda Ivanovna:

You are a carrier of ureaplasma infection. If you have an infection, then your sexual partner will also have it. The partner can undergo an examination, perhaps some other infection will be detected. It is better to start treatment during menstruation, since menstruation itself is a natural exacerbation chronic processes. Of the drugs, preference is josamycin. In the pharmacy network, this is wilprofen at a dose of 500 3 times a day for 10 days. Femin probis 1k 2 times a day for 1-2 months (these are lactobacilli). You need to restore the microflora in the intestines, in parallel it will be restored in the vagina. A lactobacillus, or normal microflora vagina itself fights candidiasis, ureaplasma,..... Treatment must be taken together with a man.

2014-10-11 06:09:09

Larissa asks:

Hello! I am 37 years old, I was diagnosed with cervical dysplasia of the 1st degree, HPV 39, no infections were found, but the leukocytes were 90-100 and the doctor prescribed antibiotics for 10 days, terzhinan, tampons, alokin 6 injections every other day, I drank the antibiotic and did the procedures and menstruation began, but in general I asked about the fact that I had been drinking contraceptive pills for 4 years without a break, and I wanted to put a spiral, I had previously consulted a doctor and said that it’s okay to drink further, but my hair had already begun to fall out, I connected this with pills, passed liver tests AST - 85, and I stopped taking birth control pills, my periods went like pills, 18 days have passed since the start of treatment, I went to the doctor, he did a colposcopy and said that he sees both erosion and dysplasia, took a cytology test, he will ready in 3 days and he wants to do electrocoagulation and biopsy on the same day. I want to ask whether to do it now or not to rush, is there a chance that after treatment the condition of the cervix will improve, or is 18 days a sufficient period? Or focus on a repeat cytology result? I have 2 children, but maybe we want more, can I give birth after this procedure on my own?

Responsible Palyga Igor Evgenievich:

Hello Larisa! Leukocytosis was provoked by erosion of the cervix. If, according to the results of colposcopy, the gynecologist suspects dysplasia, then first of all it is necessary to conduct a biopsy of the cervix. According to its results, the specialist will choose a method of treatment. After the treatment, you will be able to give birth, do not worry. In the presence of dysplasia conservative therapy usually not enough. Be healthy!

2014-04-30 15:24:41

Michael asks:

Hello! I live a regular sex life for about a year, one partner. Before that, there were no problems. The girl periodically has thrush due to taking antibiotics, but she was treated and everything was in order. She started taking birth control pills about 14-18 days ago. Sex is regular. 2 days ago I started itching on the head of the penis. Now it does not itch, but small red spots are visible on the head. A white thick mass is formed, an unpleasant odor has appeared.
I understand that they can tell me exactly after the examination, but still, what could be?
I drank 2 days ago a large number of vitamin C, can it come from this? Or is it thrush (reaction to birth control pills)?

Thank you in advance!

2014-02-06 18:34:06

Taty asks:

Hello. I would like to contact you with this issue. I am 27 years old. For eight months she took birth control pills, of which 5 months - "Silhouette" (for the treatment of adenomyosis, diagnosed by ultrasound and abundant long periods).
Since January 6, I have drunk the last pack of pills. There was withdrawal bleeding - as usual, 6 days. But it did not stop, but intensified on the 7th day. I did an ultrasound. Result (on the 7th day of the cycle): endometrium 2-3 mm (does not correspond to the phase of the cycle), in the ovaries dominant follicle no, the uterine cavity is dilated to 2 mm, there is 7 ml of fluid in the retrouterine space.
I visited the gynecologist. On examination, everything is normal, but she prescribed me treatment: Tranexam, water pepper and the antibiotic Azithromycin. She said that if the discharge did not stop, she would send me to the hospital for curettage. They did a smear on the flora: everything is normal, there is no inflammation.
Allocations stopped after 5 days, that is, in general, they lasted 12 days. The doctor prescribed me further treatment: calcium chloride with intravenous glucose (10 injections), Neovir IM (5 injections) and hemotherapy.
After finishing the treatment, I went back to the ultrasound. Result: the endometrium grew to 10 mm and corresponds to the phase of the cycle, a non-ovulated follicle of 16 mm was found, the uterus was expanded to 2 mm, the liquid in the pm space was 5 ml.
The uzistka said that the inflammation had not gone away. And I again went to the gynecologist. She examined me again and found no pathologies. Again a smear (also the norm).
I asked the doctor about hysteroscopy (because before OK I had long periods, and, it turns out, after stopping the pills, they remained so). The doctor advised me to do an MRI of the pelvic organs first.
I made it. Result: signs of focal adenomyosis, fluid in the n / m space, but dominant follicle not found.
How can this be? The doctor said to this that, therefore, ovulation occurred. And I was refused a referral for a hysteroscopy.
Please advise who should I trust? Do I have inflammation that was seen on the ultrasound? Did you ovulate? And could I get pregnant if ovulation occurred on the 24th day of the cycle, and I lived sexually from the 26th day of the cycle? When should I expect my period now, two weeks after ovulation? Help me please!

Responsible Gritsko Marta Igorevna:

O inflammatory process indicates the presence of free fluid in the p / m space. According to ultrasound and MRI, ovulation did not pass. There is no indication for hysteroscopy. I would advise you to observe the situation in dynamics, to conduct folliculometry. If ovulation does not take place, then you should donate blood for sex hormones and contact a gynecologist to prescribe hormone therapy. You could not get pregnant, because. the follicle did not ovulate.

2014-01-13 23:40:17

Tatyana asks:

Hello! Help me please! I am 20 years old. worried about acne and acne since the age of 14. Now the face is inflamed, there are abscesses, painful pimples that are hard to the touch. Also on the shoulders and back. such a "war" on the face periodically climbs out. Oily or combination skin. I did a skin scraping, the tick was not found. I turned to dermatologists and cosmetologists for help. I do face cleansing about 1 time in 4 months. dermatologists prescribed talkers (lotion and something with sediment), skinoren (I didn’t really like this drug). I also drank zincteral and yeast with sulfur for a month. It seems to have forgotten about the problem for a while. mostly during the warm season. It seems to me that the improvement could be associated with taking antibiotics (I treated a sore throat, Orv. I still suffer from chronic tonsillitis). I also used zinirite (I didn’t like it. It dries the skin very much and does not relieve inflammation),
gel dalacin (helps until there is no addiction). Now the dermatologist prescribed the following treatment: ornizol for 10 days in the morning and in the evening along with eslidine. Then drink zincteral for a month, neurobex neo, aevit and another drug (I can’t read from the prescription, but it looks like bactletatin capsules). I also recommended cosmetics Louis Widmer. I plan to do a Jesner peel (I have never done peels before), as soon as the inflammation subsides. I have the following questions: 1) can I use foundation? I really want to cover up all the horror. 2) whether there is a sense to pick up contraceptive pills with the gynecologist? how long to take them? (I'm a little afraid, because I heard that unwanted hair on the body may start to grow) 3) is it worth following a diet or is it useless? 4) Does chronic tonsillitis affect the skin condition? 5) can it be hereditary? my mom had acne vulgaris. she suffered with them until almost 40 years old. and if so, what to do about it? 5) what else would you recommend? which doctors to visit? Thank you.

Responsible Todorova Larisa Petrovna:

Tatyana, I answer your questions in order:
1-tonal cream can be used only specially designed for problematic skin, they are sold in pharmacies (larosh-pose, aven, uriage ...), they do not clog pores and matte oily skin;
2- it makes sense to undergo an examination by a gynecologist and, if the hormonal status is disturbed, there is a combined hormonal preparation, since acne is always associated with endocrine system. Moreover, there is no stable result of the previous treatment;
3- You don’t need to follow a strict diet, but there are still restrictions - chips, crackers, sweet carbonated drinks, confectionery, fatty fried food. Just need to lead healthy lifestyle life :-)
4-chronic tonsillitis affects the condition of the skin, as it reduces the overall immunity and the skin in particular. 5-hereditary nature of acne has a place to be, most often it happens, but not always naturally;
5-I advise you to find a good dermatologist who will treat and observe you until you become beautiful and satisfied with your appearance.
This is a long time, work with related specialists and drugs that are optimally suitable for you, this is a certain way of life for you for a while and it is impossible to describe everything in an online consultation. Good luck and be beautiful!

2013-12-19 16:02:07

Marina asks:

Hello! Tell me please, I started drinking Jess contraceptive pills and at the same time injected the antibiotic Cefazolin, then they prescribed the antibiotic Levofloxacin-Teva (I still have to drink them for 5 days), I have a sore throat, a week before intercourse, can these antibiotics affect Ok ?? In advance thank you very much!

2013-12-10 08:41:55

Alexandra asks:

Good afternoon! Please tell me if I'm flying or not. I’ll make a reservation right away, I don’t self-medicate, I see 2 specialists, but there’s no help as such (So, for 4 years I’ve been taking Novinet birth control pills (according to a doctor’s prescription), everything was fine, then my husband and I thought about replenishing the offspring and I stopped drinking them, in the second month problems began - there is nothing to go to the toilet in a small way, I drink a lot, but there is absolutely nothing to go to the toilet, and I don’t feel like it. , says the kidneys are in order, go to the gynecologist, I came there, they tell me you have xp salpingo-oophoritis!!! I am horrified, they put me in the hospital, although I didn’t have any pain like a woman! Taam 10 days of injections + pills + physiotherapy. discharge after 2 months, problems with the toilet began again, I can’t do it, but at the same time nothing hurts, it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t sting. for STDs and STIs came anal Izy in the urine found Staphylococcus aureus - prescribed to drink Augmentin - propyl. in a smear, they found ureaplasma more than 10 to 4 degrees, prescribed treatment - wilprofen 500 mg 3 r / d + metronidazole + cycloferon + viferon rectally and vaginally, she did everything as expected, immediately after the treatment again the same thing - it’s impossible to go to the toilet, but only the stomach was already swollen and cramps began before going to the toilet! I ran to the doctor! After examining me, she says, you have vaginal dysbacteriosis, she sent me to take a smear - the smear came in normal, only an increased number of leukocytes - she sent me for an ultrasound, they put xp. salpingo-oophoritis and cervicitis, prescribed neo-penotran forte suppositories for me and sent me home, after 5 suppositories my lower abdomen ached, so much so that it was impossible to sit, I came to the hospital, they sent me to the day hospital - injections of cefazolin + metronidazole + suppositories genferon, through 6 injections I had a terrible attack, I thought I would die from pain, at night, it was terrible ... I couldn’t do without needle injections - let’s go to the hospital, I tell them everything, and they tell me well, girl, well, what do you want, you have this is chronic, now it will be like this all my life, go and do not catch a cold! I was horrified by our medicine, I already went to another gynecologist out of impotence, re-sented the tank for Ureaplzma and it was again found there in the same titer! and they prescribed wilprofen again! I told the doctor that I had already drunk it, to which she told me that it was food. an antibiotic to which she is sensitive to my ureaplasma! and prescribed me physiotherapy with zinc flektroforez. today was the 5th session, and for 5 days I have been taking the antibiotic wilprofen - the pains are gone, thank God, but a terrible itch from the vagina appeared, I drink fluconozol - it does not help, the itching does not go away. Dear doctor, evaluate the correctness of actions in general given treatment, but I don’t know where to run anymore, I feel that all this treatment causes relief for a very short period of time, and then again with new force torment begins. And as for Mt. salpingoophoritis, then I never had it! I am 25 years old, I have been sexually active since the age of 17, I have never had problems with menstruation and I have never had a stomach ache, scheduled checkups always visited!
Thank you for your attention!

Responsible Wild Nadezhda Ivanovna:

Do not think anything bad, but I recommend to consult and be examined by a neurologist. In addition, be examined by an endocrinologist in an endocrine dispensary (exclude thyroid disease, parathyroid glands...). Also get tested for the Epstein Barr virus.

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Is it true that antibiotics make birth control pills less effective?

There is a large amount of information that antibiotics reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. This is also usually warned in the instructions for the drugs themselves (contraceptives and antibiotics). In fact, this way manufacturers are simply reinsured or based on older studies.

Almost all of the antibiotics do not affect contraception. It is now believed that the only* types of drugs in this group that interact with hormonal contraception and make it less effective are antibiotics like rifampicin. They can increase the production of enzymes in the liver that increase the breakdown of estrogen from pills, and thereby reduce their levels in the body and the effectiveness of the contraceptives themselves. This can lead to unwanted pregnancy.

* - In addition, there is also an antibiotic called griseofulvin, the mechanism of influence of which on the effectiveness of birth control pills is not fully understood. But this is an antifungal drug, therefore it is described at the end of the article along with other medicines.

Simply put, only antibiotics such as rifampicin, rifabutin. Also an antifungal antibiotic. griseofulvin. The rest are not.

List of antibiotics that will not affect hormonal contraceptives(although the instructions for the drugs may indicate):

Tetracycline: used for acne, tooth infection, Lyme disease
Ciprofloxacin: infections urinary tract, some ear infections, pneumonia
Penicillin: Streptococcus throat, infections of the teeth, infections of the upper respiratory tract, ear infections
Flagyl (metronidazole): vaginal infections, some infectious diarrhea
Others such as doxycycline and ampicillin.

Scientists have studied the simultaneous use of these antibiotics and birth control, as a result, it was found that they do not change the effectiveness of contraception.

There are only a few rare situations where an antibiotic actually interferes with contraception. If you have TB or meningitis and are taking rifampicin or rifabutin, your birth control pills, patches, and rings may not work as well. You need to tell your doctor if you are using oral contraceptives and have been prescribed rifampicin. You will probably be taking an antibiotic for about 6-9 months to fight TB and your doctor may suggest changing it. If you decide to continue using your current drugs, it is important to use a different form of contraception while you are taking it.

After you finish taking these antibiotics, you will need to continue using alternative methods of contraception other than the pill for another 28 days.

The reason why birth control women need to be careful with certain medications is that some of them interfere with the production and metabolism of hormones in the body. Birth control pills designed to prevent ovulation by changing or stopping the hormonal process. Rifampicin is a drug that changes the metabolism of hormones, and due to its use, ovulation can occur and, therefore, it will be possible to become pregnant.

Although most antibiotics do not affect the effect of birth control drugs, it will always be more effective to use additional protection. If you need Additional Information about these remedies, just ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Why then do manufacturers sometimes warn about other antibiotics in the instructions?

As mentioned above, only a very small amount of antibacterial drugs can actually reduce the effect of hormonal contraceptives by increasing the production of enzymes in the liver that break down estrogens. These are antibiotics such as rifampicin or rifabutin. But you can also sometimes see a warning about other more common antibiotics, such as penicillins and tetracyclines, in the instructions for birth control pills. The same can be said for the antibacterial drug. This information differs from evidence-based recommendations used by healthcare professionals today.

It is most likely that manufacturers are reinsured in this way. Indeed, in addition to increasing the production of estrogens in the liver, theoretically, antibiotics can kill bacteria that convert inactive chemicals into active estrogen, and therefore can affect the effectiveness of birth control pills. While it has not been proven that unwanted pregnancies can occur this way, drug manufacturers warn that antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Other medicines that may affect hormonal medications

If you are sick and need to see your doctor for a prescription, be sure to tell him everything you are taking, including birth control pills. The specialist needs to know about any drugs, herbal remedies and prescription drugs. When you get a prescription for a new drug, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any drug interactions with contraceptives to be safe.

Here are some of the drugs that can affect hormonal contraception, including pills:

Griseofulvin

Griseofulvin is an antifungal oral antibiotic that is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, body, hair/beard, or nails. The reason for the interaction of this drug with contraceptives unknown, but consequences can be severe. Simultaneous use can not only weaken the effect of contraceptive pills and lead to pregnancy, but also cause breakthrough bleeding and irregular menstruation. The doctor may need to change the dose of birth control pills or change them to another form of contraception when prescribing these medicines together. The effect may last up to one month after you finish taking griseofulvin.

Medicines with St. John's wort

This herb is taken for depression or anxiety and has been shown in studies to lower the levels of hormones the body receives from the pill. This may cause spotting and/or ovulation. It is very important to use a backup method of contraception if you are using this remedy.

Epileptic drugs/mood stabilizers

Drugs such as Tegretol, Phenytoin, Primidone, Topamax, and Lamotrigine may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives. In addition, hormones may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs, and you may be at increased risk of epileptic seizure or manic states. Although, according to the results of a 2010 study, the effect of oral contraceptives on seizures is controversial.

Make sure you discuss the use of epilepsy drugs and contraceptives with your doctor to avoid drug interactions. The doctor will need to know what you are using hormonal agents so that he can control the dose of the drug to prevent seizures.

Antiviral/HIV drugs

HIV medicines may reduce the effectiveness of pills to prevent unwanted pregnancies. These include Darunavir, Nevirapine, Lopinavir, Tipranavir, Fosamprenavir, and Nelfinavir. There are other HIV medicines that will not affect the effect of birth control pills. Make sure you use a backup method of birth control while you are on HIV treatment.

How to increase the effectiveness of contraceptives?

When you get a prescription for antibiotics, ask your pharmacist if there are any medicines that make birth control pills less effective.
Use a different method of contraception during antibiotic therapy. If you use a spermicide and a membrane, the efficiency is almost 100%.
Take birth control pills at the same time each day. Follow your doctor's recommendations.
Don't skip pills and follow the instructions to "catch up" with the missed dose.
If your birth control method is an IUD, make sure you check it every month. If you can't find it, you need to use another form of contraception and see your doctor as soon as possible.
If you have had unprotected intercourse, you can contact your doctor or pharmacy within 72 hours for

Pills and some other contraceptives (patches, spirals, injections) usually contain the female sex hormones estrogen and progestin. They prevent ovulation and pregnancy. But some medications prevent hormones from doing their job. If taken simultaneously with COCs, the effect of the contraceptive may decrease, and in some cases more serious consequences for women's health.

WHAT DRUGS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN WITH HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES

Antibiotics and OK

A course of antibiotics may be necessary for infections caused by bacteria (pneumonia, sinusitis, acne, urinary tract infections, etc.). In most cases, antibiotic drugs can be combined with OCs. The only antibiotic that interacts negatively with hormonal contraceptives, is rifampin(Rifadin, Rifadin). This drug is used to treat tuberculosis and may cause irregular periods.

Rifampin reduces the effectiveness of hormones by reducing the effects of ethinyl estradiol and progestin in women taking oral contraceptives. Rifampin may also reduce the effectiveness of transdermal contraceptive patch(Ortho Evra, etc.) and a vaginal ring (NuvaRing, etc.), in which case you will have to use additional method contraception.

It used to be thought that any antibiotics could reduce the effectiveness of COCs. However, recent studies have shown that they do not affect the use of oral contraceptives. The most popular antibiotics - ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, doxycycline, metronidazole, ofloxacin, roxithromycin, temafloxacin, tetracycline - can be used in conjunction with COCs.

HIV drugs and hormones

Some medicines, which are prescribed for HIV, may interfere normal operation OK. These include Darunavir(Prezista) Efavirenz(Sustiva) Lopinavir / Ritonavir(Kaletra), Nevirapine(Viramun). To adjust therapy or prescribe another contraceptive, you need to consult a doctor.

Antifungal drugs

Griseofulvin(Griseofulvin, Gris-PEG) is used to treat skin infections such as athlete's foot (athlete's foot) and itchy groin. Ketoconazole(Nizoral and others) are mainly used when others antifungal drugs unavailable or not helpful. Scientists believe that these drugs may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills (low risk).

Anti-seizure drugs and hormonal pills for women

Some of anticonvulsants violate hormonal balance which makes birth control pills less effective. Such drugs include Carbamazepine(Carbatrol, Epitol, Equitro, Tegretol), Felbamate(Felbatol), Oxcarbazepine(trileptal), Phenobarbital(Luminal) Phenytoin(Dilantin, Phenytek), primidon(Mysoline) Topiramate(Topamax).

Analeptics at hormonal contraception

Modafinil(Provigil) is a stimulant commonly used to treat symptoms of a sleep disorder such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea. Studies show that this drug reduces the effectiveness of OCs. Use a different method of contraception while you are taking modafinil (Provigil) and for one month after stopping it.

Painkillers

Over-the-counter pain relievers may work worse when a woman is on birth control pills.

In addition, in the instructions for analgin indicated that oral contraceptives violate its metabolism in the liver, due to which the toxicity of analgin increases.

Drugs to lower blood pressure

Some medicines for high blood pressure (for example, cyclopentiazide) may also work worse if the woman drinks OK.

Asthma Remedies

Hormonal birth control pills may increase the side effects and toxicity of certain asthma medications (eg, theophylline).

Tranquilizers and antidepressants

A side effect of some of these drugs is benzodiazepam and imipramine- may also be stronger due to interaction with COC.

Laxatives

If there is a need to take these drugs, then it is better to do this in advance or at least 2 hours after taking OK, so that oral contraceptives have time to digest.

Iron

When taking birth control pills, it is usually not recommended to drink iron. Against the background of OK, women most often experience scanty bleeding, and the level of iron in the blood remains normal.

If you develop severe bleeding and/or you suspect iron deficiency anemia, take tests and consult a doctor.

Excess iron can be toxic to the body, causing indigestion, abdominal pain, vomiting, and darkening of the skin.

Vitamin C

It is undesirable to combine the reception of OK with ascorbic acid. However, at the same time, due to hormonal pills may occur. If you want to take vitamins during the course of hormones, do it in different time(with an interval of several hours between taking OK and vitamins).

FOOD AND DRINKS THAT DO NOT COMBINE WITH HORMONAL PILLS

Alcohol

Usually alcohol does not affect OC in any way. However, if vomiting occurs from alcohol and less than 2 hours have passed since taking hormones, the effectiveness of COCs may be reduced. If this happens, take another tablet as soon as possible and call your doctor right away.

Grapefruit

Chemicals in grapefruit (fruit and juice) interfere with the CYP3A4 enzyme in the intestines from absorbing certain medications. This leads to the fact that the drug does not work as it should, and the side effects of the drug increase. The furanocoumarins found in grapefruit block the CYP3A4 enzymes responsible for breaking down estrogen. When grapefruit is taken with OCs, blood estrogen levels may rise, leading to the risk of new or more severe side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, and uterine bleeding.

One study showed that grapefruit juice indeed significantly increases the peak levels of 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol in the blood (up to 137%).

Grapefruit can negatively interact not only with oral contraceptives but also with other drugs:

fexofenadine (fexofenadine, Allegra), which is used to treat allergies
buspirone (Buspar) and sertraline (Zoloft) to treat depression and anxiety;
Sildenafil (Viagra) - male drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunction;
nifedipine (Procardia), nimodipine (Nimotop), and nisoldipine (Sular), which are used to treat high blood pressure;
atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), and simvastatin (Zocor) to treat high cholesterol;
saquinavir (Invirase), which is used to treat HIV infection
erythromycin, primaquine, and quinine, which are used to treat infections;
amiodarone (Cordarone), which is used to treat irregular heart rhythms
cyclosporine and tacrolimus (Prograf) are used to prevent rejection in organ transplants.

In addition to grapefruit, Seville oranges (often used in marmalade), pomelo, lime, tangelo, or tangelo (tangerine crossed with grapefruit) may not go well with oral contraceptives.

CYP450 enzymes found in the intestines and liver can remain blocked after eating grapefruit for up to 24 hours or longer. Therefore, even if eating fruit or drinking grapefruit juice separately from OK (for example, after a few hours), it can still lead to more high levels estrogen. Daily use of grapefruit can lead to significant, unpredictable effects. Even medicines that are only taken once a day can cause side effects due to the influence of grapefruit enzymes.

If your preparation does not combine with grapefruit, it is better not to use this product at all - neither in the form of juice, nor the form of fruit.

Most other fruits and foods, including orange and cranberry juice, can be eaten and drunk while on COCs. They do not interact with hormone pills.

Other side effects grapefruit

The combination of estrogen with a large amount of grapefruit in rare cases may lead to more serious side effects. So, a case is known when a woman who took COCs (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) included in her daily diet weight loss grapefruit. After three days of this diet (about one grapefruit every morning), she developed an acute venous thrombosis(blood clot in deep vein legs). Doctors partly attributed this to the interaction of grapefruit with birth control pills.

In addition, grapefruit can affect the level of estrogen in the blood of a woman, even if she does not take OK. Eight hours after eating the fruit, estrone-3-sulphate rises by 26% from baseline.

HERBAL MEDICINAL SUPPLEMENTS WITH OK

Some dietary supplements and herbal preparations They don't mix well with birth control pills.

St. John's wort

Some people use it to treat mild to moderate depression and sleep disorders. The study shows that women who took birth control pills and St. John's wort at the same time had more high performance breakthrough bleeding. This herb can interfere with the metabolism of estrogen from pills by affecting liver enzymes.

With palmetto

Sometimes girls drink this herb to stop hair loss and reduce hirsutism. It is not recommended to combine with OK.

Lucerne (Alfalfa)

Used for kidney problems bladder. Before taking it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Garlic

Garlic tablets sometimes help reduce blood pressure, high cholesterol, it is also taken for other diseases of the heart and blood. Before joint reception with OK, you need to consult a doctor.

Flaxseed is used for digestive problems ( severe constipation, irritable bowel syndrome). With regular admission to large quantities flax can also affect hormone levels.

Other natural remedies, which can potentially affect hormones (, mint, etc.), can be combined with OK only after consulting a doctor.