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Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/16/2006 6:10:21 PM

timeoutgurlie

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I've just been prescribed clindamycin for what may be a throat infection, and I'm on the pill (birth control pill). I've just Google'd it and it says to use a 2nd method of birth control while on the antibiotics, and for at least 7 days after the antibiotics are finished.

Another search result said to use the 2nd method until my 'next cycle'...I'm nearly at the end of this month's, I'm due to be on the sugar pills on the 24th of this month, so I'll start the next pack of pills at the beginning of July. Would I then use the 2nd method until August?

Also, are condoms the best choice for the 2nd method?

Sorry for a long question, and thanks tons to anyone who replies.

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/16/2006 6:15:28 PM

feastie

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Yes, antibiotics often render birth control hormones (not just pills, but the patch and the ring as well) ineffective. Personally, I wouldn't want to take any chances, so I would use the alternate method until my next cycle. My preference has always been condoms.

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/16/2006 7:14:39 PM

timeoutgurlie

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Thanks feastie, I'm definitely going to use the condoms, this isn't the time I want to test my luck with pregnancy

I'm still confused though, by "next cycle", does that mean *after* I use my next full pack of pills? I'm just over halfway through my current pack.

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/16/2006 7:20:30 PM

feastie

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Yes, it would mean using condoms through this cycle (period) until the next one. Seems a little like overkill, I know, and I'm sure to get flamed for it, but if I didn't want to get pregnant, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/16/2006 7:25:00 PM

timeoutgurlie

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Thanks tons, you're my new hero

lol

I doubt anyone would flame you for that. Even a site that's suspposedly monitored by medical professionals says "at least 7 days, but best to follow through until your next cycle".

I'm right there with you, I'd rather suffer through the inconvenience of condoms for the next 6 weeks than to take the risk of ending up with an unwanted pregnancy. Sometimes, responsiblity kills the fun a lil, but it's worth it

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/16/2006 7:33:26 PM

feastie

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quote:

ORIGINAL: timeoutgurlie

Thanks tons, you're my new hero lol

I doubt anyone would flame you for that. Even a site that's suspposedly monitored by medical professionals says "at least 7 days, but best to follow through until your next cycle".

I'm right there with you, I'd rather suffer through the inconvenience of condoms for the next 6 weeks than to take the risk of ending up with an unwanted pregnancy. Sometimes, responsiblity kills the fun a lil, but it's worth it

Well, I'm Fertile Myrtle, not getting pregnant is the problem. Getting pregnant never has been, so I tend to take the overkill route.

Good luck to you.

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/16/2006 7:55:04 PM

timeoutgurlie

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lol @ Fertile Myrtle. Haven't been having sex for very long, so I'm not sure how I'll be...but have no intentions on finding out any time soon, so I'm gonna take the 'overkill' route too lol

Thanks again for the help

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/16/2006 8:28:37 PM

missgiveNTake

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Definately take the overkill route, my cousins daughter ended up pregant at 12 because she was on an antibodic and didn't use a second form of protection. Why a 12-year-old was that sexually active I will never know.

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/16/2006 8:35:14 PM

timeoutgurlie

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Yikes, poor girl

Thanks for the reply, hopefully this will let others know about the issue if they weren't already aware.

I was pretty upset that this wasn't even mentioned in the pamphlet that came with the prescription. The only reason I knew to search for it at all was recalling seeing a sticker about *something* being less effective on my pack of birth control pills. I thought I remembered it being antibiotics and searched on Google when I came home.

I'd spaced out on asking my doctor, but then remembered ont he way to the pharmacy...even the pharmacist said, "No, there shouldn't be any problems with your birth control" when I asked him about it.

Luckily, I err on the side of safety and did my own 'research', then posted here just for some comfirmation I'd read things right. Happy I did, there's lots of educated people here for all kinds of topics

Sorry, I talk too much

Thanks again ladies

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/16/2006 9:38:24 PM

akisha

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Definately use the second form of birth control. My gf's daughter ended up pregnant while on Depro when taking anitbiotics, and that's supposed to be almost impossible.

It's always better to be safe then sorry.

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/16/2006 9:40:51 PM

timeoutgurlie

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Thanks, definitely will do

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/16/2006 11:14:58 PM

CrescentLuna

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feastie, do you have a source for the antibiotics rendering the ring/patch and other such methods ineffective? Because when I was instructed on the antibiotics during pharmacology courses, it was because of the first bypass effect in relation to oral medications because of the stomach's close proximity to the liver. Obviously, other birth control methods wouldn't have that problem. But, such studies just may not have been noted when I took those courses.

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/16/2006 11:31:09 PM

Bluebird

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There are actually a lot of drugs, and herbs, that reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills/rings/patches. One of note is St. John's Wort - if you take because you are depressed, think of how much MORE depressed you will be if you get accidentally pregnant! I was not aware of that one until my gynocologist told me. Yikes! Guess I just got lucky ...

Another one (I don't know if it is still in use) was Fiorinal (sp?) - a painkiller given for migranes.

Anything you are prescribed - make sure you ask the doctor or nurse to please check the PDR (Physiscians Desk Reference) or similar tome for ANY possible interactions. And do be honest with him/her about everything you take. Even something innocuous like fish oil can affect absorption or change the effect of a drug.

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/16/2006 11:39:11 PM

timeoutgurlie

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Bluebird

There are actually a lot of drugs, and herbs, that reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills/rings/patches. One of note is St. John's Wort - if you take because you are depressed, think of how much MORE depressed you will be if you get accidentally pregnant! I was not aware of that one until my gynocologist told me. Yikes! Guess I just got lucky ...

Another one (I don't know if it is still in use) was Fiorinal (sp?) - a painkiller given for migranes.

Anything you are prescribed - make sure you ask the doctor or nurse to please check the PDR (Physiscians Desk Reference) or similar tome for ANY possible interactions. And do be honest with him/her about everything you take. Even something innocuous like fish oil can affect absorption or change the effect of a drug.

Do you know of anything online that a person can use themselves to check?

As I'd posted, my doctor didn't mention the BCP, though I won't fault him because I didn't ask and I see a gyno for my pill anyhow so it wouldn't be on his mind, but the pharmacist gave me the wrong answer even though I specifically asked.

I tend to always check on my own, but it'd be great to know of one site where I could go to find all the interaction info.

I never thought of the herbal remedies having interaction with presc. drugs, I'll have to Google some more, thanks for the heads up!

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Post #: 14

RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/17/2006 12:03:48 AM

Bluebird

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quote:

ORIGINAL: timeoutgurlie

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bluebird

There are actually a lot of drugs, and herbs, that reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills/rings/patches. One of note is St. John's Wort - if you take because you are depressed, think of how much MORE depressed you will be if you get accidentally pregnant! I was not aware of that one until my gynocologist told me. Yikes! Guess I just got lucky ...

Another one (I don't know if it is still in use) was Fiorinal (sp?) - a painkiller given for migranes.

Anything you are prescribed - make sure you ask the doctor or nurse to please check the PDR (Physiscians Desk Reference) or similar tome for ANY possible interactions. And do be honest with him/her about everything you take. Even something innocuous like fish oil can affect absorption or change the effect of a drug.

Do you know of anything online that a person can use themselves to check?

As I'd posted, my doctor didn't mention the BCP, though I won't fault him because I didn't ask and I see a gyno for my pill anyhow so it wouldn't be on his mind, but the pharmacist gave me the wrong answer even though I specifically asked.

I tend to always check on my own, but it'd be great to know of one site where I could go to find all the interaction info.

I never thought of the herbal remedies having interaction with presc. drugs, I'll have to Google some more, thanks for the heads up!

Well, WWW.DRUGS.COM is pretty thorough, although the interface is a bit clunky. Click on the "Drug Interactions Checker" on the top bar, then agree to the disclaimer (they are not responsible ...yada yada ...), then put your first drug (eg clindamycin) in the search area, run the search, and choose one of the results to "add". Then put the second drug (eg. Alesse or whatever BC you use) in the search box, run the search again, and add whatever is suitable from the search results. Once you have all the drugs you take over on the right side, click on "Check Interactions Now" and you will have enough information to worry you for years :-)

I would still do additional Google searches, too - as far as I am concerned, each of us is responsible for our own health in conjunction with our doctors; you should not abdicate the responsibility just because they are authority figures. Most doctors prefer an educated patient anyway - if yours gets miffed because you do your own supplemental research, I would suggest finding a new doctor who is interested in your concerns. Anytime you see a doctor, if possible, bring along a list of everything (herb, OTC, and Rx) that you take, as well as any oddities in your diet (veggie, food allergies, etc.). You are not a collection of distinct parts that do not interact; everything you ingest contributes to your overall well-being or lack thereof.

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/17/2006 12:52:47 AM

timeoutgurlie

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Thanks a bunch, that post was great for many reasons, it definitely makes sense, I wish I'd rationalized it sooner.

quote:

You are not a collection of distinct parts that do not interact; everything you ingest contributes to your overall well-being or lack thereof.

That line hit me the hardest, I'd tended to be the type to do my own checking up anyhow, I trust professionals and all, but not absolutely, I feel more secure only when I've read up on things for myself. But I hadn't ever really thought of what you pointed out there, despite it being painfully obvious. Thanks a lot for that, hope others will think of it as well.

Of course, thanks too for the link, it'll meld well with my Google-ing

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/17/2006 1:07:01 AM

Bluebird

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You are very welcome!

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/17/2006 2:20:52 AM

brightspot

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I can't believe the Pharmisist gave you the wrong information, thats could be pretty dangerous.

I feel glad my Doctor's first make sure to ask about all medicines I am on and then if she is going to prescibe something they have a computer program that when they enter the drug going to be prescribed the software takes the medicine I am on and searches for any possible drug interactions including herbal. I too still research the drug on the net when I get home.

I think your Dr. also should have asked what medicines you are taking including BC whether he prescribes them for you or not and also what herbals. I have a list of basic questions when I visit my Dr. and if something isn't covered I bring it up for discussion.

Good luck in finding the right answers, I don't know them have never taken birth control pills. If you Goolge the anti-biotic's name you will get a list of sites that contain information on that perticular drug including side effects and other drug interactions.

*Brightspot

< Message edited by brightspot -- 6/17/2006 2:23:30 AM >

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/17/2006 4:14:17 AM

feastie

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quote:

ORIGINAL: CrescentLuna

feastie, do you have a source for the antibiotics rendering the ring/patch and other such methods ineffective? Because when I was instructed on the antibiotics during pharmacology courses, it was because of the first bypass effect in relation to oral medications because of the stomach's close proximity to the liver. Obviously, other birth control methods wouldn't have that problem. But, such studies just may not have been noted when I took those courses.

Yes, the leaflet that comes with the Nuvaring, specifically, as I no longer have any of the patches (they irritated my skin). However, I have used the patches and I read all the information included in the packaging before I take any medication.

From the NuvaRing leaflet:

"Certain drugs and herbal supplements may interact with combined hormonal contraceptives to make them less effective in preventing pregnancy or cause an increase in breakthrough bleeding. Such drugs include rifampin, drugs used for epilepsy such as barbiturates (for example, phenobarbital), carbamezepine, and penytoin, primidone, topiramte, phenylbutazone, modafinil, and some drugs used for HIV such as ritonavir. Pregnancies and breakthrough bleeding have been reported by users of combined hormonal contraceptives who also used the herbal supplement St. John's Wort. You may need to use a non-hormonal method of contraception during any cycle in which you take drugs that can make oral contraceptives less effective. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are taking or start taking any other medications, including non-prescription products or herbal products while using NuvaRing.

While using NuraRing, you should not rely upon a diaphragm when you need a backup method of birth control because NuvaRing may interfere with the correct placement and position of a diaphragm.

If you are scheduled for any laboratory tests, tell your doctor or healthcare provider you are using NuvaRing. Contraceptive hormones may change certain blood test results."

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RE: Antibiotics & The Birth Control Pill - 6/17/2006 6:03:53 AM

impishlilhellcat

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Okay My mom works in a pharmacy and she just said antibiotics make the birth control pill less effective and you should use a back up birth control during that time just as the net said and to use the 2nd method until your next cycle and then you can stop with the second method. She said it wouldn't matter which form you of birth control you used but condoms would probably be the most effective. (next cycle is when you start the new pills)

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