Antibiotics and Birth Control Pill

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Antibiotics and Birth Control Pill
1
Wed, 09-22-2004 - 5:06pm
I have a few questions and anyone who has had any similiar experiences or knows anything...please give me any informaiton you may have that can help me. I was put on antibiotics on August 6th for a UTI and when I finished that prescription I had to take another prescription for antibiotics (1000 mg at once) on August 13th. I am on Ortho Novum 7/7/7 and I have heard conflicting things about antibiotics and the pill. I would like to know what the time frame is that you are supposed to wait before you don't have to use a back up method (I've heard one week after you are done taking antibiotics and one week after the start of your next pill pack). Also, if anyone has gotten pregnant while taking birth control pills, did you miss your period or did it come but lighter (color difference), what were your symptons, etc... I am planning on taking a test on Saturday but I would like to get anyone's input on these things. I am interested in anything you have to say!!!! Thank you for your help!




iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 09-22-2004 - 8:48pm
Hi tanya423, welcome!

I think the thing about hormonal contraceptives and antibiotics is that that there seems to be a sub-set of women for whom some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of their hormonal contraceptives. It isn't possible to tell in advance which of us might be affected, so this board recommends that all women on hormonal contraceptives use back-up while taking antibiotics. After the last dose of ABs you should continue to use back-up for at least 7 consecutive days of correctly taking active pills. I hope you're feeling better. Let us know how you're doing, ok?

Hugs,

      Jill