Birth control mixed with other medications?

Question

I'm taking Loestrin Fe 1/20 Oral, and wanted to find out what other medications, if taken in combination with this would decrease the effectiveness. I know that antbiotics can decrease effectiveness, but does anyone know of any other drugs that may do the same? I also take Tramadol for back pain.

Answer 1

Acitretin, aprepitant, azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), bosentan, carbamazepine, felbamate, griseofulvin, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), modafinil, nevirapine, penicillins (eg, amoxicillin), protease inhibitors (eg, indinavir), rifamycins (eg, rifampin), St. John's wort, tetracyclines (eg, doxycycline), topiramate, or troglitazone because they may decrease Loestrin 1/20's effectiveness. While on these medicines, you will need an alternative form of birth control (eg, condoms) until your next period after stopping these medicines.
Beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol), cyclosporine, theophyllines, or troleandomycin because the risk of their side effects or toxicity may be increased by Loestrin 1/20
Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) because their side effects, including rounding of the face, weight gain, fluid retention, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, or skin changes, may be increased by Loestrin 1/20
Oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because their side effects, including risk of bleeding, may be increased by this medicine; however, it is also possible that the effectiveness may also be decreased by Loestrin 1/20
Lamotrigine because its effectiveness may be decreased by Loestrin 1/20; stopping Loestrin 1/20 may lead to severe side effects

Answer 2

if you have any prescribed drugs from the hospital they will tell you if they will effect your birth control. if you're unsure when they give you the meds, you should ask, just in case they may forget. if you are taking over the counter drugs, just ask the pharmacist at the drug store if the meds will effect your birth control.

Answer 3

You will need to use a non-hormonal form of birth control. Condoms, an IUD or a diaphragm. You are best to talk with your doctor or family planning specialist.