Birth Control Effectiveness: Grapefruit and Other Dangers that Lower Contraceptive Effectiveness

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I drink grapefruit juice every morning? Did you take St. John's wort for the last time? Hormonal birth control pills can interact with many other things. Know what you are doing that could reduce the effectiveness of birth control, even if you did not know.

Timing. It is important to take your pill at the same time each day. The goal is that at the same time, if possible. This is especially important for progestin-only pills. If you are constantly late with the pill, choose a different path that is more convenient for you. Think about setting your clock buzzer or other similar reminders to help you take your pills at the right time.

storage. Do not store medicine somewhere that is too hot or too cold. If you want a place that is out of direct sunlight, such as drawers. Heat and cold can affect different drugs differently, and often they can reduce efficiency.

birth control pills, as well as all other types of pills are a type of medication. This means that you must always inform your doctor and pharmacist what you are on birth control. This is to help you avoid any complications or bad interactions between drugs. Here are some things that you interact with birth control. (For more information about how hormonal birth control works, as well as the risks and side effects, as well as other birth control options, visit)

Some antibiotics . Rifampin, or Rifapentine the antibiotic commonly used to treat tuberculosis. Other antibiotics are usually fine when you are on the pill, however. Demeclocyclene doxycyclene and two antibiotics that can interfere with your birth control. Ask your doctor for other alternatives, and make sure you get prescribed something that will not interfere with your birth control plan.

St. St. John's Wort. It is an herbal remedy that can be bought at any pharmacy. This is not a prescription or over the counter. It helps fight depression. However, it also reduces the effectiveness of birth control, and as such, should not be taken without the consultation of health workers.

grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Grapefruit contains a compound that slows the absorption of the hormone estrogen in the body. This means that it does not affect progestin-only pills.

antifungal medications. Some drugs that are taken orally to treat yeast infections may interfere with oral contraceptives. These include griseofulvin.

Antihistamines. Current debate in the medical community, if the anti-allergy medications, antihistamines, or can be linked to failure of birth control.

anticonvulsants. Many drugs are taken to prevent seizures may reduce effectiveness of birth control pills. Talk to your doctor before you deal with it.

Some other drugs that may interact with your birth control include corticosteroids, bronchidilators, and some anxiety medication. It's not totally confirmed, so ask your health care professional about the interaction.

These interactions apply to other methods of hormonal contraception, as well, including the patch, vaginal ring, Depo-Provera.

Like other medicines can affect birth control, remember that your birth control may also affect other medications. Avoiding adverse drug interactions is important for you in both cases, so always ask your doctor or pharmacist about drug interactions when new drugs.