HBC and Steroids and Antibiotics?

[thecoolbanana.livejournal.com]

So I've been on my HBC, Ocella, since mid August. This past month I've been SO sick...got fed up with the fabulous campus docs and went to the ER. They put me on Azithromycin Tablets (z-pac) and MethylPREDNISolone Tablets(steroids). This was last Friday, the 6th. I finished everything on Wednesday the 12th.

I've read things about antibiotics making the pill less effective, a friend going into the medical field said there is nothing to worry about if I haven't missed any (which I haven't, and make sure to take it at the same time EVERY night). But I wanted reassurance from you guys! I am having my guy over and this is the first time that we're going to do anything in SO LONG because I've been so ill. Just paranoid about whether the antibiotics and steroids would have messed with my pill.

Thanks so much.

Comments

[tokio.livejournal.com]

Because of the way antibiotics and oral contraceptives are absorbed into the system, HBC becomes contraindicated. You should use back up protection for the 7 days following your LAST dose of antibiotics.

[okayshawna.livejournal.com]

i don't know about the steroids, but the antibiotics will absolutely mess with your birth control. I've known several people who have gotten pregnant in this way. every time i get on antibiotics my doctor makes sure to point out that i should use a backup until about a week after i've finished the antibiotics. i wouldn't risk it.

[giftwhatgift.livejournal.com]

Can antibiotics decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills?

The effects of antibiotics on birth control pills may be overstated — except in the case of one antibiotic, rifampin. Studies clearly show that rifampin decreases the effectiveness of birth control pills in preventing ovulation. However, rifampin isn't a widely used antibiotic. Chances are you wouldn't be taking it unless you had tuberculosis or had tested positive for the disease.

Hypothetically speaking, other antibiotics, particularly penicillin and tetracycline derivatives, could impair the effectiveness of birth control pills. However, no large studies have proved such an effect.

Researchers can't rule out the possibility that a small percentage of women may experience decreased effectiveness of birth control pills while taking an antibiotic. And if you're taking a newer, extremely low-dose oral contraceptive, you could be more susceptible to these potential effects from antibiotics. If you're concerned, consider using a barrier method of contraception for the duration of your antibiotic prescription.

taken from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/birth-control-pill/WO00098

[thecoolbanana.livejournal.com]

thank you so much