It's easy to forget that there are risks involved with mixing medications, especially when one is a routine pill like birth control. But did you know that some medications can actually make your birth control less effective? We asked Harpreet Brar, MD, a board certified ob-gyn at Detroit Medical Center's Hutzel Women's Hospital, for a complete rundown.
There are a few fairly common medications that can mess with hormonal contraceptives, specifically the pill and any IUD containing levonorgestrel (a type of progestin), according to Dr. Brar.
"The over-the-counter supplement St John's wort may also interfere with common birth control," she added.
Always remind your doctor that you're on birth control any time they mention starting a new medication. While your physician probably already knows this, you should get reassurance that they've considered any potential interactions before you pick up your 'scrip from the pharmacy. Dr. Brar said that, in most cases, an alternative to these medications can be prescribed that won't interfere with your birth control.
If that's not the case, your doctor will suggest that you use a second form of contraception. "When in doubt, a backup method of contraception such as condoms should be utilized," Dr. Brar said, though your doctor should be able to tell you how soon after treatment your birth control will become effective again. If you're on a longer course of treatment, you might also consider switching birth controls instead, to a nonhormonal method like the copper IUD.