For decades, if a woman was started on an antibiotic, it was standard practice for the doctor to ask if she was also taking the contraceptive pill. It was thought that antibiotics interfered with the levels of the pill in a woman’s body, and might stop it from working. Therefore, women on the pill were advised to use condoms or avoid intercourse if they were taking an antibiotic.
New advice about antibiotics and the contraceptive pill
But in 2012 the official advice changed. Research shows that, in fact, most antibiotics have no effect on how the pill works. So, if a woman is on an antibiotic for a common infection such as sore throat, chest infection or UTI, there is generally no need to worry about doubling up with extra protection. The pill will continue to work perfectly well. But, like most things in life, there are a couple of notable exceptions:
Sometimes a woman might get diarrhoea or vomiting as a side effect from an antibiotic- in this case it’s hard to be certain if the contraceptive pill is being absorbed properly, and therefore additional protection is advisable. Pill packs usually contain instructions regarding what to do if you have these symptoms, and will tell you how long extra protection is necessary.
There are also two antibiotics which are exceptions to the above rule- these antibiotics are very seldom prescribed by a GP- they’re used to treat uncommon infections such as TB and meningitis, and sometimes as a preventive measure in people who have been exposed to a case of meningitis. These antibiotics do have the potential to interfere with the contraceptive pill, and the prescribing doctor should give very clear advice with this in mind.
Whether you choose to get your pill from a regular clinic or from an online doctor, it’s important you understand how to take your pill correctly, so that it works as effectively as possible. Check the patient information leaflet in the pack, or ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure!
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Medically reviewed by Dr Aifric Boylan
MB · BCH · BAO · MICGP · FRACGP · DRCOG · DCH
About Dr Aifric Boylan MB BCh BAO MICGP FRACGP DRCOG DCH Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Dr Aifric Boylan is a general practitioner with more than 20 years' experience. She graduated in medicine from…
This health information has been clinically reviewed by an Australian doctor. Qoctor health pages are reviewed to support clear, evidence-informed guidance; they do not replace individual medical advice.
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