Anti-biotics and birth control

[Wondering]

My dermatologist just put me on an oral antibiotic to help with my acne. She said it will make my birth control pills less effective. My husband and I are not ready for kids, but I really don't like the idea of using condoms again. The antibiotics are long-term for now. Has anyone else dealt with this?

 

[SC]

Try something topical instead

Are you able to use something that you apply to the skin instead? I use Proactiv, and it works for me.

I have taken antibiotics before that interfered with my pills. We had to use alternate forms of birth control, which was a pain for me. Luckily it was a short term medication.

 

[jvn]

Proactiv

I was in the same situation as you and the antibiotics really didn't work for me. Please try Proactiv. I tell everyone about it. I wish had it years ago. I have posted this before because I really believe in it!

 

[Anonymous]

Noooooooo!!!!!

I read your post and I must tell you that you need to rethink this.

I was once on antibiotic for 6 months for recurring streps till finally the spring came. Anyways, all that medication ruined my stomach lining and I have been suffering for 9 years now with antibiotic-induced colitis.

Another BAD side effect is that your immune system weakens and then when you really need the antibiotic for a bacterial infection, G-d forbid, your body will be so used to it that it won't help. Furthermore, many antibiotics leave dangerous toxins in their wake as the body is trying to fight a war inside.

Now, it doesn't sound like acne would require antibiotic because it's not bacterial. However, since I am not an MD or even a medical person, and I can't tell you about acne for sure, it just doesn't make ANY sense to pop antibiotics for it.

BUT, if you decide to take it etc. please, please, please take acidophilus with it. This is a probiotic: meaning good bacteria which will help balance your intestines with good bacteria after the antibiotic kills the bad and good stuff. Be sure to get a good brand that says it is live and needs to be refrigerated. Many brands are taken off the shelf and they lose the potency because they need refrigeration. "Natrens" is an excellent brand and is a bit pricey, but it's well worth it .

First, rethink it and ASK your Dr. about long term effects of the antibiotic and about acidophilus. A good Dr. will encourage you to take probiotics.

Good luck and all the best. Feel good.

P.S. I did not mean to scare you or anyone reading this, but because of my past experience, I learned the hard way that you must be an educated consumer.

 

[Wondering]

I used ProActive all through college, and it did the trick. This past summer, my face exploded, and nothing helped, not even ProActive. Because it is so bad, I'm now using Retin-A, a topical anti-biotic cream, and taking the anti-biotic pill. It seemed like a lot to me, but I'm so sick of my students asking if I have chicken pox, I'm ready to do anything.

Thanks for the pro-biotic advice. I'm going to ask my pharmacist about it when I go get my prescription!

 

[Wondering]

Another note I forgot to write above: The doctor thinks it might be bacteria-caused acne, and the reason for the "explosion" that won't go away.

 

[Miller]

I am not a doctor, but I have had several yeast infections due to antibiotics. I learned about Acidophilus and it works. You cannot take it close to the time you take your antibiotics though and I don't think it should be taken for extended periods. The acidophilus I buy needs to be refrigerated and it's by KAL (http://www.totaldiscountvitamins.com/Merchant/kalframe.htm). I use this company for all my vitamins, they are dependable and really cheap. The acidophilus helped keep away the yeast infections because it restores the good bacteria the antibiotics wipe you.

With regard to your question, you have to use some other protection, or you will have kids. Spermicide, sponge, female condom, whatever, but if you don't, all those antibiotics will kill the effectiveness of your pill.

 

[DM]

talk to the doc again

I recently read an article that said there was no evidence to support the contention that antibiotics interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. I think it said that there was ONE TYPE of antibiotic that caused problems, but that there was no need for a blanket assumption that all antibiotics reduced the effectiveness of the Pill. But then again, they'll change their minds again tomorrow!

I only skimmed the other posters' comments, so maybe someone already mentioned this, but did you ask about trying one of the Pill brands that helps to control acne? I know that for the ten years I was on the Pill, I had few skin problems. When I was pregnant, my face was a mess. Then when I was nursing and taking the minipill, it was okay. Once my son was weaned, I started to have some skin problems again. So hormones are definitely a factor for me.

Also, there are other barrier methods besides condoms that you and your husband could consider. My husband is not fond of condoms, either, so I understand your dilemma.