Antibiotics and the pill

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-07-2003
Antibiotics and the pill
1
Mon, 08-16-2004 - 9:18pm
Hello again!

I have a question, see if anyone knows the answer: I'm on OTC-Lo, and was recently diagnosed with tonsilitis, for which I was given the antibiotic Levaquin (levofloxacin). I started taking it on the before-last day of my active pills; the last antibiotic pill is due tomorrow, the first day of my period, and my 3rd day of inactive pills. How does this affect the effect of the next pack of BC pills? I know if I'm taking antibiotics while on the active pills I should use back-up for the following 7 days (though I prefer to use back-up for the rest of the pack). However, since I'm on the inactive pills, and will be starting a new pill pack 4 days after finishing the antibiotic, should I still use back-up? For how long? Just the first week or should I use it the whole month just to be on the safe side? I won't be seeing my bf until my second week of active pills, and wanted to know if I should be extra-careful, or if it's OK to depend on the pill only by then.

Thanks, as always, for your answers and advice. :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 08-16-2004 - 10:45pm
Hi dianna, welcome back!

If I were you I would use back-up during the time you are on antibiotics and continue through at least the first 7 days of active pills after the last dose of antibiotics. Using back-up for longer never hurts, especially if it will help you feel more secure. I hope you're feeling better by now.

Good luck,

      Jill