Birth Control Pills and Alcohol

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2004
Birth Control Pills and Alcohol
2
Sat, 07-03-2004 - 1:16pm
I just have a quick question I was hoping someone could help me out with. I currently take birth control pills and actually do not have any problems remembering to take them everyday (I take them every night at 900). My problem is this-sometimes, say on a weekend, I might be out with friends at a bar and 900 rolls around. I always go into the bathroom to take my pill. However, it feels wrong to be taking my pill while I'm also drinking alcohol. My friend says I should just wait and take it the next morning when I am not drinking. I say that it's better for me to take it every night at the same time, even if it means taking it with alcohol.

This is not an everyday occurrence for me, but it probably happens once or twice a month. What do you think?

Thanks.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sat, 07-03-2004 - 3:22pm
Hi imelaine2004,

You were absolutely right in wanting to take your BCPs as close to your regular time as possible. There is no reduction in the effectiveness of oral contraceptives from the consumption of alcohol in moderation. If you drink enough that you throw up within 2 hours after taking your pill that counts as a missed pill. Or, if under the influence you forget to take your pill that’s bad too. You should take your pills on time every day for them to have maximum effectiveness. For combined pills (progestin/estrogen) this board considers +/-2 hours of your regular pill time to be on-time. For progestin only pills the on time is +/-30 minutes or less. Your friend was wrong to suggest that you wait to take your pill the next morning. A pill taken more than 8 hours late is considered a missed pill. Thanks for stopping by.

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sun, 07-04-2004 - 9:27am
I agree--take your pill on time NO MATTER WHAT. I used to take my pill out with me in a sandwich bag if I had to! There are no warnings about alcohol combined with the pill, but there are for other prescription meds (check the labeling and drug information with each prescription), so what you're doing now isn't a problem unless, as Jill said, the alcohol causes vomiting or inability to remember. ;)

Judie

Judie Cl for Birth Control