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On Augmentin For Sinus And Ear Infection, On Birth Control And Had Spotting. Now Have Heavy Bleeding. Suggest?
Question: Hello,
I am currently on Augmentin 500 mg 3 times a day for 10 days. Today is my 3rd full day on the antibiotics for a sinus and ear infection. I am on my 3rd week of birth control pills and I have gotten my period. Usually I spot only on this birth control and not when I'm supposed to but my doctor confirmed that this is normal and even though I take my pill every day and very rarely miss a day, that's probably why it comes during my "active" pills. I now have a HEAVY period and it's only been since I started this antibiotic. Is this what's causing my sudden heavy bleeding? I haven't bled like this for a year and a half now. It's not that dark brown/black blood either, it's bright red and pink. I just want to make sure I am okay. I haven't had cramps this bad either since before my birth control. I just want to know if I need to see a doctor about this or if this is due to my "period" and taking this antibiotic.
I am currently on Augmentin 500 mg 3 times a day for 10 days. Today is my 3rd full day on the antibiotics for a sinus and ear infection. I am on my 3rd week of birth control pills and I have gotten my period. Usually I spot only on this birth control and not when I'm supposed to but my doctor confirmed that this is normal and even though I take my pill every day and very rarely miss a day, that's probably why it comes during my "active" pills. I now have a HEAVY period and it's only been since I started this antibiotic. Is this what's causing my sudden heavy bleeding? I haven't bled like this for a year and a half now. It's not that dark brown/black blood either, it's bright red and pink. I just want to make sure I am okay. I haven't had cramps this bad either since before my birth control. I just want to know if I need to see a doctor about this or if this is due to my "period" and taking this antibiotic.
Brief Answer:
Yes, Augmentin interactions, breakthrough bleeding
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Augmentin may cause:
a. An increase in bleeding time.
b. A decrease in the action of oral contraceptive pills.
c. Liver toxicity may contribute.
d. Imbalance of gut bacterial flora as it is a XXXXXXX spectrum antibiotic.
2. The exact mechanisms are not clear. What you are experiencing may be breakthrough bleeding which indicates insufficient hormone levels and failure of the oral contraceptive pills for that cycle.
3. Hence it is advisable to inform your doctor and use a additional form of contraception.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Yes, Augmentin interactions, breakthrough bleeding
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Augmentin may cause:
a. An increase in bleeding time.
b. A decrease in the action of oral contraceptive pills.
c. Liver toxicity may contribute.
d. Imbalance of gut bacterial flora as it is a XXXXXXX spectrum antibiotic.
2. The exact mechanisms are not clear. What you are experiencing may be breakthrough bleeding which indicates insufficient hormone levels and failure of the oral contraceptive pills for that cycle.
3. Hence it is advisable to inform your doctor and use a additional form of contraception.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Do I need to use a backup method of contraception while on Augmentin especially since I essentially have my period right now? And if so, when will my pills be active again? Once I stop the antibiotics?
Brief Answer:
Yes, use back-up, now and for next two cycles.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes , you have to use a back-up (non hormonal) method while on Augmentin (and for a couple of cycles thereafter).
2. Your doctor can decide the continuation of the Augmentin depending upon the severity and the response of your sinus and ear infection
3. Your pills will be active once you stop the antibiotics. However it may take a couple of cycles for a full contraceptive effect.
4. You may have withdrawal bleeding if you change the pill regimen or even amenorrhea. This will cause some confusion for a couple of cycles.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Yes, use back-up, now and for next two cycles.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes , you have to use a back-up (non hormonal) method while on Augmentin (and for a couple of cycles thereafter).
2. Your doctor can decide the continuation of the Augmentin depending upon the severity and the response of your sinus and ear infection
3. Your pills will be active once you stop the antibiotics. However it may take a couple of cycles for a full contraceptive effect.
4. You may have withdrawal bleeding if you change the pill regimen or even amenorrhea. This will cause some confusion for a couple of cycles.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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