Is it really a problem taking the two together. I get mixed messages when I read online. Some say its harmful and it may decrease the effectiveness of birth control. Other's say its no big deal. So what is it...?
2006-12-11 08:21:27 · 9 answers · asked by Naketa 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
Yes. There are many antibiotics that decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. You should use a back up (barrier) method for a few weeks during antibiotic therapy. You can look up the information of almost any drug at the source I listed below.
2006-12-11 08:27:57 · answer #1 · answered by Sara 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is not harmful, but it does decrease the effectiveness (read the insert of your pills). Most pregnancies on the pill occur because of missing a pill, not taking them at the same time, or mixing them with antibiotics.
You should always use a condom or another additional method of birth control until you've been off antibiotics for a full week, and taking active pills for a full week.
2006-12-11 08:34:22 · answer #2 · answered by jimbell 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not harmful but it may decrease the protection you are getting from the pill. Be on the safe side and use condoms for a month or 2 after the course of antibiotics.
2006-12-11 08:30:01 · answer #3 · answered by chicchick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not harmful but some antibiotics can cause birth control to not work as well so my suggestion would be to most definitely use a backup method as well until you're off the medication for at least a week..maybe two. Best of luck!! :)
2006-12-11 08:39:09 · answer #4 · answered by Jewels 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard anyone say it is harmful to you.
Taking antibiotics and birth control together will decrease the effectiveness of birth control. You need to read you medicine information the pharmicist gives you. It will tell you whether or not it will decrease the effectiveness.
It also tells you in your birth control information.
2006-12-11 08:24:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ONLY antibiotic that will decrease oral contraceptive's effectiveness is Rifampin. There are a lot of myths surrounding the use of antibiotics and birth control.
2006-12-11 08:27:36 · answer #6 · answered by Squirrel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My first baby was conceived because I wasn't warned about the antibiotics decreasing the effectiveness of birth control. I am not complaining but I do think people should be warned.
2006-12-11 08:59:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sources may tell you that there is no effect on birth control, but take it from me -- I happen to know three women who got pregnant while taking birth control and antibiotics. I would not chance it.
2006-12-11 08:31:23 · answer #8 · answered by Karen L 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Read your sheet that comes with the antibiotics it will tell you on there. But almost all of them that i've seen say to use a back up method with on antibiotics.
2006-12-11 08:49:25 · answer #9 · answered by jenpoesavon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋