what antibiotics affect birthcontrol?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-09-2004
what antibiotics affect birthcontrol?
1
Fri, 07-09-2004 - 12:51am
Hi. I'm on orthotricyclen lo. I've recently been having indigestion, and I've taken Nexium twice. Since that time, I've had sex once, during which my partner came in me. I just took Cefzil tonight. My sister claims that Nexium and Cefzil reduce the effectiveness of the birth control significantly. I only have two more pills before the inactive pills begin, so i wondering if i need to worry or not about pregnancy. I was just wondering if anyone had information on antibiotics affects on orthotricyclen lo, or maybe even the specific drugs I mentioned.

Thanks.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 07-09-2004 - 8:28am
We don't know exactly which women will be affected by antibiotics, as some women taking the pill will have pill failure due to the antibiotics and others won't. We're warned in general to assume that ANY antibiotic can cause pill failure, so your best course of action is to use backup protection for at least seven days following the last dose of antibiotics. The Nexium shouldn't affect it at all.

Good luck!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control