Contraceptive pill and antibiotics?!
Question: I know when taking the contraceptive pill and taking antibiotics, the pill is less effective. I'm confused because I have my period this week, which means that I'm basically not taking the active contraceptive pills htis week, I'm just taking the sugar pills. I will be finished taking the antibiotics by the time I finish my period. Basically my question is this, once I'm finished the antibiotics and I start taking the pill again this saturday, will the pill's effectiveness still be affected by the pill? Would I need to take the contrceptive pill for 7 days in a row in order to be preotected for pregnancy?
I guess in essence, my question is actually, do the antibiotics only affect the pill while I'm taking the antibiotics? and do you need to take the pill for 7 days after you finish taking the antibiotics in order to be protected for pregnancy.
Im thinking of this in much the same way as if you skip a pill by accident, where you have to take it for 7 days to be protected for pregnan
Answers: I know when taking the contraceptive pill and taking antibiotics, the pill is less effective. I'm confused because I have my period this week, which means that I'm basically not taking the active contraceptive pills htis week, I'm just taking the sugar pills. I will be finished taking the antibiotics by the time I finish my period. Basically my question is this, once I'm finished the antibiotics and I start taking the pill again this saturday, will the pill's effectiveness still be affected by the pill? Would I need to take the contrceptive pill for 7 days in a row in order to be preotected for pregnancy?
I guess in essence, my question is actually, do the antibiotics only affect the pill while I'm taking the antibiotics? and do you need to take the pill for 7 days after you finish taking the antibiotics in order to be protected for pregnancy.
Im thinking of this in much the same way as if you skip a pill by accident, where you have to take it for 7 days to be protected for pregnan
Actually most antibiotics don't affect the pill in most women, Rifampin is the only one with a real proven interaction.
But most women use barrier contraception as well while taking antibiotics, just in case, and even if you were taking the antibiotics during your placebo week I suggest you follow the 7 day rule. You'll probably be safe if you don't, but it seems that the antibiotics cause a problem in a tiny proportion of women, so it's better to be safe than sorry. And yes it is similar to skipping a pill and waiting/using condoms for 7 days.
You can check with your doctor or pharmacist though to see what they say. A lot of doctors don't recommend the use of additional contraceptives while you are on the pill, but it is always in pill information packets and most people recommend it like I say just in case.
i was told to always follow the seven day rule.
It is a good idea, just to be on the safe side. So 7 days after finishing antibiotics.
Actually u have to follow the rules of Pills otherwise it is of No use thanks
That depends on the antibiotic you are taking. Some antibiotics stay in your system for up to 10 days or longer after you took the last one. (example: the zpac)
So a precise answer to your question would also depend on the antibiotic. If you want a free knowledgeable answer, call your local pharmacist (walgreens, etc) and ask them.
my mate was on pill.. took antibiotics... now has 5yr old!!!