Do antibiotics affect the pill?
Certain antibiotics can have an effect on the pill and reduce its ability to prevent pregnancy. If you are given a prescription for an antibiotic be sure to tell the clinician that you are on the pill. During the time you are taking the antibiotic, use a back up method of birth control like male or female condoms, or abstain from vaginal sex. You should also use the back up method of birth control or abstain from sex for one week after taking your last dose of antibiotic. If you are worried about getting pregnant, you may want to consider using Emergency Contraception (EC). For information on where to get emergency contraception, click here for a list of family planning clinics in the Philadelphia area where emergency contraception is available. Click here for locations outside of the Philadelphia area where emergency contraception is available.
Certain antibiotics can reduce it’s ability to prevent pregnancy. If you are given a prescription for an antibiotic, be sure to tell the clinician that you are on the pill. During the time you are taking the antibiotic, use a back up method of birth control. You should also use the back up method of birth control or abstain from sex for one week after taking your last dose of antibiotic.
