A 21-year-old female asked:
i take doxycycline for acne. i also take birth control, does taking this antibiotic make my birth control ineffective?
2 doctor answers
Dr. Ralph Kingsford answered
35 years experience Pediatrics
It may: Tetracycline derivatives may diminish the therapeutic effect of hormonal Contraceptives . There have been anecdotal reports that tetracycline antibiotics reduce the efficacy of birth control pills.
However, in some small studies done there was no statistical difference on or off antibiotics except for Rifampin. Hope this helps.
Answered on Apr 1, 2017
2
2 thanks
Dr. J. Lawrence Dohan answered
57 years experience Dermatology
No: This question was raised 20 years ago. It was determined that the antibiotic does NOT make any birth control less effective. This was settled many years ago. It is distressing to see that this question is still out there. However the OC pill you take might make acne better or worse depending on the progesterone. Also, SPIRONOLACTONE is much more effective, cheaper, and better tolerated than doxycy
Answered on Jan 16, 2016
1
1 thank
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Related questions:
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Gurmukh Singh answered
49 years experience Pathology
May not: You need to give it try. It is imperative that you use an alternative method of contraception if you are sexually active. You may consider getting an ... Read More
1
1 thank
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Tsu-Yi Chuang answered
50 years experience Dermatology
Yes: Bcp would help to control acne, however, a certain bcp is specifically designed for acne control like yaz (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol). Other ... Read More
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Juan Rojas answered
51 years experience Gynecology
No.: Do not take Doxycycline and your oral birth control together as you increase your risk for the birth control to fail (i.e. Get pregnant). If you are g ... Read More
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Mark Perloe answered
45 years experience Fertility Medicine
Acne: Many women with acne have insulin resistance. If you have irregular cycles you may want to be checked. Cut down on processed carbs and sweets, use a m ... Read More
1
1 thank
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
People also searched for:
Connect by text or video with a U.S. board-certified doctor now — wait time is less than 1 minute!
24/7 visits
$15 per month