Does Augmentin affect birth control pills?!


Question:

Does Augmentin affect birth control pills?

I have been prescribed the antibiotic, Augmentin, for a wound on my foot. I have heard over the years that certain antibiotics can lower the effectiveness of birth control pills. Now, I made a point to ask the doctor while he was making the prescription if this antibiotic would have any affect. He said NO ... that the rumor is an "old wives tale" that has been spread around forever. He did say that only a certain antibiotic is known to mess with the pill. (He named the medicine... I'm not sure of what it was though) So.. I leave the doctor's office feeling secure. Then I talked to the pharmacist as I filled the prescription and mentioned that I was glad it wouldn't interfere with my pill. The pharmacist went on to say that I shouldn't argue with the doctor's statement... but her niece had gotten pregnant while on Augmentin just earlier that year. I plan to use "back-up methods" just incase... but has anyone had any experience with this antibiotic in particular?

Additional Details

3 weeks ago
Forgive me if I mispelled "Augmentin" I don't have the bottle with me.


Answers:

I was looking at the research on this and I got two completely different answers like you. Numerous Med sites said that antibiotics affect the bc and the risk of becoming pregnant increases. However, there was one site that mentioned a new study of 8000+ women indicated that there is not enough evidence to find if antibiotics increased the chance of pregnancy.

I would use a back up method because there isn't enough information (beyond the one study). I would love for this antibiotic "rumor?" to be disproven, but until I see more studies or medical journal articals: I wouldn't beleive it just yet.




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