Ten Medications That Interfere With Birth Control Pills

When you’re using birth control pills, it’s important to be aware that certain medications can interfere with their effectiveness. Some medications can either reduce the hormone levels in the pill or affect how your body processes it. This can increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Here are 10 medications known to interfere with birth control pills:

1. Antibiotics (e.g., Rifampin): While most antibiotics don’t interfere with birth control, Rifampin, commonly used to treat tuberculosis, can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills by speeding up the breakdown of hormones in the pill.

2. Anticonvulsants (e.g., Phenytoin, Carbamazepine): Used to manage seizures, these medications can induce liver enzymes that metabolize birth control hormones more quickly, reducing their effectiveness.

3. St. John’s Wort: A herbal supplement often used for depression, it can induce liver enzymes, similar to anticonvulsants, and decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.

4. HIV medications (e.g., Ritonavir, Efavirenz): Certain antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV can reduce the levels of hormones in birth control pills, making them less effective.

5. Antifungal medications (e.g., Griseofulvin): This medication, used for fungal infections, can also increase the metabolism of birth control hormones and reduce their efficacy.

6. Antidepressants (e.g., Fluvoxamine): Some antidepressants may interfere with the way birth control pills are metabolized, though the effect is generally mild.

7. Barbiturates: Medications used to treat insomnia or anxiety can speed up the breakdown of hormones, reducing the pill’s effectiveness.

8. Blood pressure medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors): Some of these medications might alter the effectiveness of birth control pills, though this is less common.

9. Acid-reducing medications (e.g., Antacids): Some antacids can affect how the body absorbs birth control hormones, potentially making them less effective.

10. Chemotherapy drugs: Certain cancer treatments can interfere with the metabolism of birth control, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the risk of pregnancy. If you’re prescribed any of these medications while on birth control, it’s important to discuss alternatives or additional contraception methods with your healthcare provider.

They may recommend using a backup contraceptive, like condoms, to ensure you remain protected. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medication to ensure it won’t interfere with your birth control.…READ FULL ARTICLE [HERE]>>