How Some Medications Can Affect Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal birth control, like pills, patches, and rings, is prescribed for a multitude of reasons: to prevent pregnancy, help treat acne, and manage symptoms of conditions like PCOS. However, certain medications can interfere with how well they work, potentially increasing your risk of an unintended pregnancy or disruption of your treatment for certain conditions. 

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It's crucial to be aware of these interactions to protect yourself. Let’s explore some common interactions and why they happen.

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How Interactions Happen

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Hormonal birth control relies on specific hormone levels in your body. Some medications can:

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• Speed up the breakdown of hormones: This can lower the levels of estrogen and progestin in your body, making your birth control less effective.
• Interfere with absorption: Certain drugs can affect how your body absorbs the hormones from your birth control.

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Common Medications That Can Interfere with Birth Control

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While most medications don't significantly impact hormonal birth control, some can. Here are a few key categories and examples:

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• Certain Antibiotics: Some commonly prescribed antibiotics have a wide side-effect profile, including interfering with birth control, and contraception failure, followed by unintended pregnancies has been reported. Ensure you don't skip your consultation prior to initiating antibiotic treatment.
• Antifungal Medications: Common antifungals have extensive drug-drug interactions. As an example, oral ketoconazole may increase the concentration of hormonal contraceptives in the blood. Always speak to your pharmacist regarding what the outcome of these drug interactions will be in your specific situation.
• Antiseizure Medications: Some drugs used to treat epilepsy, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and topiramate, can make hormonal birth control less effective, but this is not an all-inclusive list.
• HIV Medications: HIV medications, or "antiretrovirals", interact with a large number of medications. It is especially important to understand that they will also affect the way your birth control is metabolized. A backup contraceptive method is highly recommended.
• St. John's Wort: This supplement, sometimes used for depression, can speed up the metabolism of birth control hormones, making them less effective. Always keep in mind that over-the-counter supplements affect your medication metabolism just as much as prescription medications do.

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Precautionary Steps to Take When on Birth Control

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Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs. Don't hesitate to ask if there are any potential interactions between your birth control and any new medications prescribed to you.

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Staying informed and communicating openly with your healthcare providers is the best way to ensure your birth control remains effective while you're taking other medications. Your pharmacist is a valuable resource for information on potential drug interactions.

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The information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace direct medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.

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Sources: 

“What Medications Interfere With Birth Control Pills?” Cleveland Clinic.