antibiotics and the pill

[kivlo]

hi
i've been taking microlite pill for 4months but just got a chest infection and have been prescribed amoxicillin antibiotic! do all antibiotics effect  the pill and if not does this one?

[PammySue]

You will most likely get conflicting answers, but I have posted a blurb from the Mayo Clinic's website.  The predominant feeling among the medical community is that most antibiotics are safe to use while on birth control, with the exception of rifampin.  If you are concerned, use the "double up" method and wear a condom.

The effects of antibiotics on birth control pills may be overstated — except in the case of one antibiotic, rifampin. Studies clearly show that rifampin decreases the effectiveness of birth control pills in preventing ovulation.

Hypothetically speaking, other antibiotics, particularly penicillin and tetracycline derivatives, could impair the effectiveness of birth control pills. However, no large studies have proved such an effect.

Researchers can't rule out the possibility that a small percentage of women may experience decreased effectiveness of birth control pills while taking an antibiotic. And if you're taking a newer, extremely low-dose oral contraceptive, you could be more susceptible to these potential effects from antibiotics. If you're concerned, consider using a barrier method of contraception for the duration of your antibiotic prescription.

Hope this helps and feel better.

[jen2006]

I would say YES that antibiotics interfere with the pill. I know too many people who have gotten pregnant around the time of an illness - not realizing it..

[JJety]

There is definitely conflicting information.  I was always told they did interfere.

I say if you don't want to be pg, then use a backup method for sure!

Good luck and good question.

[monkeyflower]

As the first response noted, the latest research has shown that most antibiotics do NOT affect the pill. That said, some women DO get pregnant while on the pill and taking antibiotics - but it's important to realize they would have gotten pregnant anyway. The reason is that the pill is just not 100% effective. When you compare the pregnancy rates of those on antibiotics and those not, there's really no difference.

[kivlo]

thanks for your answers!
i like this website!