Antiviral medications such as those commonly prescribed to combat HIV or AIDS can decrease the effectiveness of combination birth control pills.
Some drugs that may cause this include:. Natural remedies can decrease effectiveness as well. While researchers are unsure exactly how much this affects your chances of getting pregnant, it can induce breakthrough bleeding, which means the level of the hormones in your body become lower than is ideal for the pill to work. Use a backup method such as condoms until you can discuss the situation with your healthcare professional and find out your options.
There are many other forms of birth control that are not affected by the above medications. You can find other birth control pill options to work with your medications at Nurx , or find out more information on other methods such as IUDs, Depo shots, and implants. This blog is provided purely for informational purposes.
Written by Melissa Ferreura. Share this article. Some Antibiotics Whether through rumor or misinformation, many people often believe that taking antibiotics cancels out the effects of your birth control pill.
Antidepressants Some antidepressants alter hormone levels in the body. Diabetes Medications Some medications used to treat and manage diabetes could interact with certain birth control medications. Anticonvulsant Anticonvulsant medications are used to control seizures by depressing the nervous system. Here are four things she learned along the way. There are many different birth control methods, and all have pros and cons. Take this assessment to help you decide which method is right for you.
Your lifestyle, choices, and goals can vary with your age. Your birth control preferences may vary, too. Learn more about how to choose the best birth…. You or your partners shouldn't feel an IUD during sex, although your partners may feel the strings. Learn more about IUDs and sex. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Missing a dose, not abstaining during fertile windows, or not replacing your birth control method on time may reduce effectiveness.
Having overweight or obesity and taking some medications can also reduce effectiveness. However, there are factors that can make several kinds of birth control less reliable.
Taking certain medications. Taking some antibiotics. Taking some herbal remedies. Forgetting to take the pill or taking it late. Not getting injections on time. Not changing patches or rings on time. Research shows that Emend aprepitant , a medication that blocks the chemicals that cause nausea, can interfere with birth control effectiveness.
Tracleer bosentan is a medication used to treat people who have high blood pressure of the lung vessels. This medication may interfere with birth control effectiveness by decreasing the hormone levels in the blood. Soy isoflavones is from a soybean plant and may reduce menopause-related hot flashes or help maintain strong bones. Research has shown that supplements like these may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.
Estrogen can cause increases in vitamin C levels, which could potentially be problematic. Always talk with your doctor about birth control interactions before taking new medications, including vitamins or over-the-counter medications. Ask if the medication or supplement will interfere with your birth control effectiveness.
You can use backup forms of birth control in addition to oral contraceptives when taking medications that interfere with the effectiveness. If you forget to use a backup method, you can take over-the-counter emergency contraception for up to five days after intercourse. For long term medications, such as retrovirals, diabetes medications, or anticonvulsants, it is best to talk with your provider about other contraception methods , such as long-acting reversible contraception or injectable progesterone.
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