A 43-year-old member asked:
when will my birth control work again after an antibiotic?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Elizabeth Reynoso answered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 17 years experience
One month: Patients who take antibiotics with birth control pills should use back up birth control like condoms for next month after using antibiotics to give the pill time to be effective again.
541 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Wayne Ingram answered
Specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology
After completion: Once you stop the antibiotic the pill's effectiveness and absorption begins after 24 hours.
541 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 35-year-old member asked:
Can an antibiotic make birth control less effective?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Lonna Larsh answered
Family Medicine 30 years experience
Yes: Most antibiotics and many other medications lower the effectiveness of birth control pills, so it is safest to also use condoms as well.
5660 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
On average, how long will an antibiotic affect birth control?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jane Van Dis answered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 18 years experience
During therapy: While you are on antibiotics your oral contraceptive *may* be less effective. Plenty of women take antibiotics and birth control at the same time and don't get pregnant. The answer lies with what your comfortable with.... Do you want to use a back up method when you are on antibiotics? As soon as you stop antibiotics, within 72 hours your birth control is back to being effective.
4980 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Is there an antibiotic known to cause birth control to be less effective?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Holly Maes answered
Pediatrics 36 years experience
All might: All antibiotics have the potential of making birth control less effective. That's why any time you are taking antibiotics you should use a backup method of contraception, such as a condom for a month after being on the antibiotic
654 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Sep 14, 2017
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