Which antibiotics affect birth control

If you're taking rifampicin or rifabutin for less than 2 months and want to continue using the same hormonal contraception, you must discuss this with your doctor.

You may be asked to take this contraception in a different way from usual and use condoms as well. One option for women who have a contraceptive implant and need to take a short dose of rifampicin for preventing meningitis, for example is a single dose of the progestogen injection. You and your doctor can get up-to-date guidance about contraception and antibiotics from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare. You do not normally need to use additional contraception if you're taking antibiotics other than rifampicin and rifabutin.

But if the antibiotics or the illness they're treating cause diarrhoea or vomiting, absorption of the contraceptive pill may be affected. For more information, see What if I'm on the pill and I'm sick or have diarrhoea? Page last reviewed: 28 January Next review due: 28 January Will antibiotics stop my contraception working?

Where to get contraception. What is emergency contraception? Where can I get emergency contraception? Note: Copper IUDs don't use hormones to prevent pregnancy, so they won't be affected by any medicine that may change your hormone levels.

Rifampin may be the only antibiotic proven to lower the effectiveness of hormonal birth control, but it's not the only drug that can do so. These medicines can also increase your chances of getting pregnant while taking hormonal birth control:. Some protease inhibitors used to treat HIV. Certain anti-seizure medications. Griseofulvin, an antifungal medication.

The length of time that antibiotics or other drugs can affect birth control depends on which medicine you're taking. Some medications will only affect hormone levels while you're taking them. Others can have effects that linger for up to a week or even a month after you stop taking the medicine.

If you're prescribed something that makes your birth control less effective, your doctor will be able to tell you how long you should use a backup method of birth control. If you're worried that the medication you're taking may be affecting your birth control, you can always use a backup method to help prevent pregnancy, such as:.

Diaphragms and cervical caps: With typical use, prevents pregnancy in 83 out of women. Sponges: With typical use, prevents pregnancy in 63 to 86 out of women, depending on whether or not they've already had a baby.

Drug interactions are complicated, so it's always best to talk to your doctor about all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements you're taking before you start any new treatment.

If you start taking medicine that makes your hormonal birth control less effective, you may need to add a backup method, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy. Aside from rifampin, most antibiotics shouldn't affect whether your birth control works or not. However, more research is needed before we can be positive that different antibiotics never affect hormonal birth control. If you're anxious about a medication affecting your birth control, using backup protection may be worth it just for the peace of mind.

Give yourself the gift of birth control auto-refills, plus free delivery and self care samples in every package. Yes No. Back Next. Back to Blog. Get pharmacist-approved advice here.

By: Catherine Poslusny. Reviewed By: Janell Sanford, Pharm. Updated: November 18, Always talk with your doctor about birth control interactions before taking new medications, including vitamins or over-the-counter medications.

Ask if the medication or supplement will interfere with your birth control effectiveness. You can use backup forms of birth control in addition to oral contraceptives when taking medications that interfere with the effectiveness. If you forget to use a backup method, you can take over-the-counter emergency contraception for up to five days after intercourse.

For long term medications, such as retrovirals, diabetes medications, or anticonvulsants, it is best to talk with your provider about other contraception methods , such as long-acting reversible contraception or injectable progesterone. Meet your Best of the Best Pharmacy Award winners! Search for a topic or drug. By Cheryl Maguire May. Top Reads in Drug Info. Most birth control pills are taken daily for 21 days on and seven days off.

Some pills are taken for 28 straight days and others for 91 straight days. Pills may be different colors to indicate different levels of hormones. Some days you may take pills that contain no hormones. Your doctor will advise you about when to start taking your pills. This is usually the first Sunday after your menstrual cycle starts or the first day of your menstrual cycle.

You should take your pills at the same time each day. The U. Department of Health and Human Services recommends asking yourself these questions when deciding which option is best for you:. When it comes to birth control pills, the options can be confusing. Not every woman is a good candidate for every type of birth control pill. If you have breast cancer or unexplained uterine bleeding, minipills may not be the best fit.

The best person to help you figure out the best birth control for you is your doctor. They can discuss the pros and cons of each method with consideration for your specific situation and answer your questions. To be on the safe side, you may want to use a backup form of birth control, such as a condom or diaphragm, while taking antibiotics.