Side Effects of Birth Control and Interference with Prescription Medications
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There are many side effects of birth control, despite these oral contraceptives seeming like safe and convenient choice for many women. Before taking the pill, it is important to recognize that oral contraceptives must be treated as any other medication, and can have contraindications and side effects. Birth control pills contain progesterone and estrogen and can interact with other prescription medications, making the pill less effective.
Before beginning any type of drug therapy, mention to your physician or pharmacist that you are using oral contraceptives. St. John’s Wort can cause breakthrough bleeding and reduce the pill’s efficacy. Other prescription drugs and antibiotics such as ampicilin, doxyclicline and anti-seizure medications phenobarbital and carbamazepine can interact with estrogen and also reduce the pill’s efficacy. Rifampin, rifapentine, tetracycline and some types of penicillin and antibiotics may also have an adverse effect on the pill’s potency.
Possible Side Effects of Birth Control
While oral contraceptives are safe to take with only a few extremely rare, life-threatening side effects, the following potential side effects of birth control can be extremely serious. If any of the following are experienced or suspected, discontinue the pill immediately and notify your physician and pharmacist.
- Jaundice or yellowish tinge in the whites of the eyes or skin, which could indicate liver damage
- Pain or cramping in the limbs, especially legs, which could indicate blood clotting
- Abdominal, chest pain or excessive coughing and wheezing, which could indicate blot clotting in the lung
- Severe headaches, dizziness or vertigo
- Blurry vision
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Rash, hives and itching, which could indicate an allergic reaction
There are alternative birth control methods you can choose to use if you experience any of these severe side effects. Talk to your gynecologist about the option that is best for you and be sure to disclose any medications, supplements or vitamins that you are taking to avoid other side effects!
Go to PrescriptionDrugs.com today to receive more information about these alternative methods and attain your free prescription savings card!
