Can antibiotics influence the effectiveness of the birth control pill?

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Antibiotics and Effectiveness of the Pill

Yes, it can. The birth control pill has to actually get "activated" in the intestines (by certain bacteria) and certain antibiotics can kill off the bacteria that help to activate the pill.

The best advice would be to use alternative means of protection.

Also, ask your pharmacist if the antibiotic you are taking interferes with birth control. They should know.

Here's more from WikiAnswers contributors:

Yes in some instances it can thats why its always adviseable to use protection (condom) while on antibiotics or when you've missed a pill to prevent pregnancy.

First answer by Deb. Last edit by Deb. Contributor trust: 1392 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 158 [recommend question]

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