oral contraceptives and methylphenidate
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| Thu, 04-01-2004 - 11:14am |
I just began taking Seasonale, the birth control pill, that is on the three-month cycle. I have a question about some of the possible drug interactions. I know that antibiotics can decrease the effectiveness of its pregnancy-prevention....does this mean if I were to have to take antibiotics for lets say, a week...that I would have to wait until the next three-month period for the hormones to effectively prevent pregnancy again- or is there a certain amount of time to wait that is effective? Because I somewhat frequently get urinary tract infections. My doctor gave me a prescription for Macrobid for self-start therapy at the first sign of an infection- and it seems to be sexual activity related sometimes. So if I were to take thhat the first week or two of the pills- are the pills useless for the next three months?? Second question- I know that certain drug treatments for epilepsy can decrease the effectiveness as well, because they stimulate liver enzyme or something like that. I take Concerta (methylphenidate)- for treatment of ADD. Someone said that that weren't sure- but that it could effect the effectiveness of the birth control pill as well. I did some research and ADD treatments and Epilepsy treatments should not be used in conjunction. I dont know if thats because they would counteract each other or if they would amplify each other. Basically my question comes down to- I've been takin these birth control pills for almost a week- the packet included in with the pills says that after one week, they are effective...and I would like to be able to have sexual intercourse with my boyfriend without having to use a condom and/ or spermicide (STD protection is not a concern)- but will my taking the Concerta (methylphenidate) decrease the effectiveness? Will I be at a greater risk for pregnancy? Please-anyone who has any information, from a trustworthy source, or knows where I can check this-please let me know ASAP. thanks so much ---Jackie

As for the other questions, I wouldn't be useful. Sorry =( Hope things work out!
-Jess
First, about antibiotics and oral contraceptives. This board recommends that back-up be used during the entire time ABs are being taken and for at least 7 days of correct pill use after the last dose of antibiotics.
Urinary tract infections and the part played in them by sexual intercourse (IC) can be minimized by drinking unsweetened cranberry juice or taking cranberry pills and urinating before and ESPECIALLY directly after IC.
You mention anti-seizure drugs for Epilepsy. Are you taking anti-seizure medicines? It is a really good idea to have all your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy. That way the pharmacist can look for drug interactions before filling new Rx. or at least they should. Some pharmacies advertise this as a benefit of dealing with them. If you don’t know if your pharmacy checks for interactions then ask. They may need a list of all your Rx and over the counter meds for a check to be effective.
And, speaking of pharmacists… Your pharmacist and you doctor(s) are the best sources for answers to questions about drug interactions. I would certainly ask them (both) about any interaction of Methylphenidate and hormonal contraceptives and be guided by their answers.
The Concerta site http://www.concerta.net/ lists no cautions about any interaction with BCPs but if I were you I would want to hear what both your doc and pharmacist had to say in answer to that question.
Good luck
Jill