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Which prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs interfere with birth control pills?

I just started taking Loestrin 24 again. I've heard that some drugs like St. John's Wort and certain antibiotics can interfere with the success of birth control, and possibly decrease effectiveness by up to 50%!

My doctor did not inform me of this. I'm a little bit nervous now, and I'd like to know if anyone has a "list" of the things that may interfere with birth control pills.

Most antibiotics will, to some degree, interfere with the estrogen component of oral contraceptives decreasing their effectiveness. The extent of this interference is not well known, that's why you need an additional form of contraception while you are taking the antibiotics and for 7-10 days after you finish them. Rhianna is correct in her statement about Rifampin and rifampin containing antibiotics. Rifampin does inhibit the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
St. Johns Wort also decreases the effectiveness, but to a much greater extent.

Some antibiotics used to treat infections may cause the Pill to be less effective. The following antibiotics/antibacterial agents may interfere with pill use:

Rifampin: used to treat tuberculosis or meningitis

Rifabutin: used to treat mycobacterium avium complex

Tetracycline

Rifapentine: used to treat TB

Some penicillin derivatives or cephalosporin (Keflin) may also decrease pill efficiency.

It is impossible to determine if taking an antibiotic will interfere with pill use (since each person's body responds differently), so it is wise to use a back-up method while on antibiotic medication as a precaution and ask your doctor.

There is a rare risk that antibiotics can effect the efficacy of the contraceptive Pill. The risk is thought to be remote (there have only been a handful of PROVEN cases worldwide) but if you ever do need to take antibiotics, use additional contraception for the entire time you are taking the antibiotic and for a full 7 days afterwards.

There are only two antibiotics which completely prevent the Pill from working- Rifampin and Rifabutin. Both these antibiotics are now seldom used in general practise.

If you vomit or have diarrhoea within 3 hours of taking the Pill then you must take another one as the Pill will not have been absorbed.

I don't know about St Johns Wort, check with your Pharmacist.

Definitely avoid any antibiotics, I'm 6 months preggo now because my doc didn't mention my birth control would stop working for up to two weeks.

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