Planned Parenthood

Someone asked us:

I’m on antibiotics for a week and I know that when on the pill I need to use a back up method because it prevents the pill from working properly but after my week of antibiotics will I need to continue the use of a back up method?

A lot of people think that taking antibiotics will mess up their birth control. But the truth is, antibiotics won’t change the effectiveness of your birth control – with one exception: the antibiotic rifampin. Unless you’re on rifampin (which is unlikely, especially if your health care provider knows you’re on the pill), you’ve got nothing to worry about. No back up birth control needed. Of course using condoms with the pill is always a good idea regardless of other medications to prevent the spread of STDs.

With the exception of St. John’s Wort, over the counter meds won’t affect your birth control either. But there are some other prescription drugs besides antibiotics that can make birth control less effective. That’s why it’s really important to make sure your nurse or doctor knows what medications you’re on – including birth control – before she or he writes you any prescriptions.

- Alex at Planned Parenthood