Birth control pills are a widely used contraceptive method. They are highly effective when taken correctly, but they can be rendered ineffective by certain medications.

This article is aimed at educating women on the medications that can interfere with birth control pills and how best to manage these situations.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. Research has shown that certain antibiotics can affect the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills.

These antibiotics can cause the enzymes in the liver that help break down estrogen to work more quickly, reducing the concentration of the hormone in the blood.

The antibiotics that have been found to affect birth control pills include rifampin, griseofulvin, and some antifungal medications such as fluconazole.

Women who are taking these antibiotics should use additional contraception methods like condoms during the period they are taking the antibiotics and continue using them for at least a week after stopping the antibiotics to ensure continued protection against pregnancy.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are used in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. These drugs may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives by increasing the metabolism of estrogen in the body. Two common types of antidepressants, St.

John’s Wort and Prozac, are known to interfere with birth control pills.

Women who are taking St. John’s Wort or Prozac along with birth control pills may need to consider using additional forms of contraception or switch to a non-hormonal contraceptive method.

Antiepileptic drugs

Antiepileptic drugs are used in the treatment of epilepsy and other seizure disorders. These medications may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills by reducing the concentration of estrogen in the body.

This can result in breakthrough bleeding and unintended pregnancy. Women who take antiepileptic drugs should talk to their healthcare provider about their contraceptive options and consider using non-hormonal methods of contraception, such as a copper IUD.

Antiretroviral drugs

Antiretroviral drugs are used to treat HIV. These medications may interact with birth control pills and reduce their effectiveness.

The enzyme-inducing antiretroviral drugs, such as efavirenz and nevirapine, are known to interact with hormonal contraceptives, decreasing the level of hormones in the bloodstream. This interference can lead to reduced contraceptive effectiveness and unintended pregnancy. Women who take antiretroviral drugs should discuss their contraceptive options with their physician.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are used to treat a wide range of conditions, including asthma, allergies, and arthritis.

These medications have been shown to increase the activity of liver enzymes that break down estrogen, reducing the effectiveness of birth control pills. Women taking corticosteroids who are also using birth control pills should use additional contraception to be safe.

Antifungal drugs

Some antifungal medications can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills. One such medication is griseofulvin, which is used in the treatment of ringworm and other fungal infections.

Women taking antifungal medications should use an alternative form of contraception.

Herbal supplements

Herbal supplements and alternative remedies have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, some of these supplements can interfere with hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills.

Two common supplements that have been found to interact with birth control pills are St. John’s Wort and Black Cohosh. Women should talk to their healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplements and confirm whether they interact with their hormonal birth control.

Dietary supplements

Dietary supplements can also affect the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, particularly those containing St. John’s Wort and Vitamin E.

These supplements increase the metabolism of estrogen, which lowers the concentration of hormones in the bloodstream. Women on hormonal birth controls should consult a physician before taking dietary supplements.

Chemotherapy drugs

Chemotherapy drugs are highly toxic medications used to treat cancer. They can sometimes interfere with hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills.

Women receiving chemotherapy treatment should use non-hormonal contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy.

Conclusion

Knowing potentially interfering medications is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of hormonal birth control.

Women on birth control pills who are prescribed any of the medications listed above should speak to their healthcare provider to develop an appropriate contraceptive plan.