Uh-oh...Help please!
Find a Conversation
| Fri, 09-08-2006 - 9:07pm |
I thought I was really thorough with my research on my pill (YAZ), and I take it as perfectly as I can (was an hour late once, but other than that always on time within minutes). However, I was looking around online and I came across a message board that said that Yaz is particularly susceptible to failure when you take certain vitamins, herbal supplements, and prescription medications (it didn't say which ones).
Now, I *knew* to check with my doctor about medications (and I don't take any). But sometimes I take Melatonin and/or Valerian Root when I can't sleep. I've googled both of them in regards to birth control, and have found that there is no evidence of either interfering with hormonal contraception. I know about the cautions with St. John's Wort and I do not take that. I do, however, take a daily women's multivitamin, plus a B-Complex supplement, and Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplement and a Magnesium supplement (I know that sounds like a lot, but I get stressed out and they really help to keep me on an even keal).
I also know with YAZ to watch my potassium intake and I switched to a multivitamin without potassium. I don't use NSAIDs anymore either...
I had no idea that vitamins could interfere with birth control, because supposedly you'd be getting those vitamins from the food you're eating anyway...And, I looked around online to check on the Valerian Root and Melatonin (which I don't take often, but do take it when I have insomnia if I'm stressed with schoolwork)... but now I am really, really concerned because of that post that said Yaz was more prone to failure with drug, herbal supplement and vitamin interactions.
It would be really bad for me to get pregnant right now, and I had sex twice this month without a condom. Last month (my first month), I wouldn't have been as worried because we were using condoms every single time. I'm not going to have sex again until I clear this up...
This is what my package insert says about Drug Interactions:
"Certain drugs may interact with birt-control pills to make them less effective in preventing pregnancy or cause an increase in breakthrough bleeding. Such drugs include rifampin, drugs used for epilepsy such as barbiturates (for example, phenobarbital) and phenytoin (Dilantin is one brand of this drug), phenylbutazone (Butazolidin is one brand) and possibly certain antibiotics. Herbal products containing St. John's Wort (hypericum perforatum) my reduce the effectoveness of oral contraceptives. This may also result in breakthrough bleeding. You may need to use an additional method of contraception during any cycle in which you take drugs that can make oral contraceptives less effective."
I haven't taken any of these... but I am still concerned. I'm going to call my doctor on Monday, but in the meantime if anyone has any advice/input, I would REALLY appreciate it.
