Hello,
Although the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) is one of the most reliable birth control methods available, yet
some medicines may decrease its effectiveness. It is advisable that prior to starting OCPs, be sure that you
have informed your doctor if you take any medications, herbal products or dietary supplements. They may
decrease the effectiveness of OCPs and pregnancies have been reported.
Some drugs induce liver enzymes, resulting in lower hormone levels. If you are to take any of these
medications for only a short time, use a backup method of birth control, such as condoms, while you are taking
the interfering drug and for 4 weeks after finishing the drug. If you are to take the interfering medication
on a long-term basis, you may need to consider an alternative form of contraception like condoms along with.
These medicines include some antibiotics,antifungals,antiviral drugs,barbituarates, antiepileptics and herbal
products like soy isoflavones,vitex ,wild yam and black & blue cohosh and St John’s wort.
If you want to take the dietary supplemented tea along with oral contraceptives, then pls use a condom or
diaphragm along with as you can never know the effect of the herbal drugs on OCP’s.
Take care and regards.
