Interference with Pill?
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Interference with Pill?
| Wed, 03-24-2004 - 12:00pm |
Hi all,
This is my first post on this board, but i hope that this question will be relevant to many others.
Other than antibiotics, are there other known foods, supplements, or medication that interfere with birth control pill? I have heard by word-of-mouth, very generally, that certain foods and meds can reduce the efficacy of the pill, but beyond that i do not know any specifics. Also, i have not been able to find any sources for this type of information.
Does anyone know about this? Like everyone else trying to prevent pregnancy, i would like to optimize my use of the pill so as not to compromise its effect. Should we be spacing the pill away from certain foods, vitamin pills, or supplements?
Many thanks in advance!
fucshia

For some (not necessarily all) drugs and supplements that interact with OCs see http://www.fpnotebook.com/GYN84.htm
In general, this board recommends using back-up while taking any antibiotic and for at least 7 days afterward. Only a small number of women might have their OCs effectiveness reduced, but it is impossible to tell who they are beforehand. Also, any supplements that affect the metabolism (such as diet pills) might reduce the effectiveness of OCs. It is always good to ask your pharmacist about possible interactions even for over-the-counter medications. I can’t think of any foods that I’ve heard might reduce the effectiveness but herbs, such as St. John’s Wort can. The thing about Herbs and supplements is that they haven’t been approved by the FDA so there haven’t been tests for herbal effectiveness or interactions with medications. It’s a bit scary but it’s up to the individual to be very careful.
One of the biggest causes of pregnancy while on hormonal contraceptives is user failure. Not taking her pills or changing her patch or ring or getting her shot on time. Or not using backup of she misses a pill, is sick and vomits or has diarrhea within 2 hours of taking her pill. Or, as discussed above, if she is on meds. or supplements that might reduce the effectiveness of her pills.
Thanks for stopping by.
Jill