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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Antibiotic Affect The Effectiveness Of Birth Control Pill?

Hi I am on the birth control seasonique and was given an antibiotic to take for a cold about 2 weeks ago. I had sex and sperm went inside. Since then I haven t got my period like I was supposed to and I have been very tired. My nipples have been hurting also. I have take home pregnancy test but they say negative. I have a doctor appointment Friday but I want to know if it is possible my birth control failed while on my antibiotic?
Tue, 27 Jan 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi!

Welcome to HCM!
Yes, it is likely!

Antibiotics decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills...

Antibiotics interfere with the absorption of birth control pills from the intestines.
Normally bacterial flora of the intestines contribute to increase amount of active contents of the birth control pills. Antibiotics as you know beside treating your cold related infection also kill those bacterial gut flora thus reducing their number and hence the amount of active content of the pill required to prevent the pregnancy.

Thus, it is quite possible to become pregnant if use antibiotic along with birth control pills.

Take care!
Regards!
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Does Antibiotic Affect The Effectiveness Of Birth Control Pill?

Hi! Welcome to HCM! Yes, it is likely! Antibiotics decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills... Antibiotics interfere with the absorption of birth control pills from the intestines. Normally bacterial flora of the intestines contribute to increase amount of active contents of the birth control pills. Antibiotics as you know beside treating your cold related infection also kill those bacterial gut flora thus reducing their number and hence the amount of active content of the pill required to prevent the pregnancy. Thus, it is quite possible to become pregnant if use antibiotic along with birth control pills. Take care! Regards!