A 16-year-old female asked:
I took antibiotics for 3 days while i was in the placebo week of my birth control,should i still use a back up method of bc if i'm staring a new pack?
1 doctor answer • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Holly Maesanswered
Pediatrics 38 years experience
Yes: Even though you are still not taking the antibiotic, the effects of it may persist in your system including the effect on your birth control. Better to be safe for a month than pregnant the next nine.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Related questions
A 33-year-old female asked:
During your period on placebo birth control, does it stop when new active pack is started or can you still period bleed? Im not talking breakthrough
Dr. Douglas Lawsonanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 30 years experience
Depends: If you have heavy cycles it may take a couple days into the new pack to stop. Same issue if you have endometriosis or fibroids.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Had unprotected sex two days into new birth control pack after one week of placebo. Been on it for year. Protected against pregnancy?
A Verified Doctoranswered
Urgent Care 21 years experience
Oral Contraception: Oral contraception is extremely effective when taken correctly but is not 100% protective. Drinking alcohol and other factors can affect the effective... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
View all answers
A 18-year-old female asked:
I took plan b about 2 days ago. Im on birth control and yesterday was my last day of my 4 day placebo pill and I havent gotten my period. Should I start my new pack today or wait till I get my period?
Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
Plan B is known to alter the hormonal balance. It would be prudent to start your pills as you would have taken them without taking Plan B. Take the pi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Dec 10, 2021
A member asked:
If I'm on my period right now, (the placebo week on my pack) can I start my new birth control pack to try and shorten my period?
Dr. Cynthia Frazieranswered
Gynecology 41 years experience
Yes: If you"re hoping to shorten the period that you are having now it may or may not help. You will be protected unless you have missed active pills, and ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Im currently taking Sprintec for birth control. Can I start a new pill pack during the placebo week of my previous pack?
Dr. John Berrymananswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 56 years experience
Starting a new pack at the end of the active pills, but PRIOR to the start of the placebo pills will still provide contraception. If you had already b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered May 03, 2021
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Last updated Jul 26, 2014
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