Some medications can significantly reduce the contraceptive effect and cause undesirable effects (e.g. irregular bleeding between periods). That is why it is so important for women who use contraception to share information about their medications with a gynecologist. The same works the other way around - it is necessary to inform every doctor to whom you report a specific condition about the contraception you are using.

Did you know that somedrugs can reduce the hormonal contraceptive effectj? This problem mainly concerns antibiotics, antidepressants, antiviral drugs, antifungal drugs and some painkillers taken in excess. Check which drugs can interact with the contraceptive pill, making them less effective.

The effectiveness of hormonal contraception and antibiotics

Most antibiotics taken orally weaken the effect of contraceptive pills to a greater or lesser extent, so it is worth mentioning about the contraceptive you are taking during a visit to a doctor, e.g. due to a cold. Please note the following antibiotics:

  • amoxicillin - an antibiotic with a bactericidal effect, which is used, among others, in respiratory and urinary tract infections as well as inflammation of the middle ear and palatine tonsils
  • tetracycline - an antibiotic used primarily in the treatment of acne and purulent skin infections
  • rifampicin - an antibiotic used to treat infections with sensitive microorganisms such as tuberculosis and for serious infections caused by staphylococci

Antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of some contraceptive pills if a woman takes them after ovulation (around day 14 of the cycle). Therefore, during antibiotic treatment combined with contraception, it is worth using additional methods of protection (e.g. a condom), which will reduce the likelihood of pregnancy.

The effectiveness of hormonal contraception and paracetamol

As it turns out, even the commonly known and used paracetamol can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.This happens when the recommended dose is exceeded, which sometimes happens to us, especially if we want to quickly prevent the development of a cold.

Careful reading of the leaflets of the medications you are taking, e.g. to treat the symptoms of flu or colds, is essential, as we are not always aware that paracetamol is found in many commonly used over-the-counter remedies.

The effectiveness of hormonal contraception and other drugs and preparations

The effectiveness of contraceptive pills may be adversely affected by:

  • antidepressants and medications to alleviate depressed mood states, which can be purchased without a prescription
  • herbal preparations containing St. John's wort (it is also one of the ingredients contained in the above-mentioned preparations to alleviate symptoms of depression)
  • some herbal teas that help you lose weight. Specifics that enhance intestinal peristalsis, hinder the absorption of the hormonal drug
  • some drugs used in the treatment of fungal infections (e.g. griseofulvin). When used together with contraception, additional protection against pregnancy is recommended
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