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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Safe To Consume Alcohol While Being On Microgynon?

I am taking microgynon 30 currently and I would like to receive some information about drinking alcohol while on the pill. Does it alter its effect, if yes how so? And if I can drink alcohol how much time should pass between taking the pill and drinking? I only drink occasionally but if it is not safe I would rather stay sober.
Also, I am going home for the holidays where there is one hour of time difference. If I usually take my pill at eight pm which is at nine pm back home I should take it at nine pm while I am home, is this correct?
Thanks in advance.
Tue, 30 Dec 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
This is Dr. Papaqako answering your question.
Thank you for posting to HCM.

Alcohol does not decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills, like Microgynon 30.
However, what drinking alcohol can change is the likelihood of missing a dose of the pill because of intoxication, due to an intoxication-induced impairment of judgment.
Also, the hormones in birth control often reduce the liver's ability to metabolize the ethanol in alcohol. This leads to higher blood alcohol concentrations in ladies on the pill and intensifies the effects of intoxication. In plain English, you might get drunker quicker.

About your second question, the answer is yes, you can take it at 9pm. Although, taking the pill with 1-2 hours late, is not a difference that can affect the pill's effect.

Hope this helps,
Take care.
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Is It Safe To Consume Alcohol While Being On Microgynon?

Hello, This is Dr. Papaqako answering your question. Thank you for posting to HCM. Alcohol does not decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills, like Microgynon 30. However, what drinking alcohol can change is the likelihood of missing a dose of the pill because of intoxication, due to an intoxication-induced impairment of judgment. Also, the hormones in birth control often reduce the liver s ability to metabolize the ethanol in alcohol. This leads to higher blood alcohol concentrations in ladies on the pill and intensifies the effects of intoxication. In plain English, you might get drunker quicker. About your second question, the answer is yes, you can take it at 9pm. Although, taking the pill with 1-2 hours late, is not a difference that can affect the pill s effect. Hope this helps, Take care.