The word needs to be spread concerning antibiotics decreasing the effectiveness of birth control.  Teen pregnancy rates are still highest in the United States than any other country.  Educating our teens about the antibiotic and birth control interaction may help lower teen pregnancy occurrences.

The drug interaction between antibiotics and birth control may or may not be communicated by your local pharmacist such as Walgreens Pharmacy.  Pharmacists are extremely busy and sometimes other family members pick up the prescription and don’t communicate this concern.

This is why I’m helping spread the concern and help reduce unplanned teen pregnancy.  There is information out there but you won’t find it unless you go looking for it.

Here are a list of antibiotics known interact with birth control decreasing their effectiveness:

  • rifampin (Rifadin®)
  • penicillin
  • amoxicillin
  • ampicillin
  • sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim®)
  • tetracycline
  • minocycline
  • metronidazole (Flagyl®)
  • nitrofurantoin (Macrobid® or Macrodantin®)

To reduce unplanned pregnancy while taking antibiotics, it’s best to use a back-up birth control method such as condoms.  It is very important to communicate this drug interaction with your teen if she is sexually active.

The New Health Cycle tries to spread the word concerning important health safety information.  Do read our health warning on the 7 deadly essential oils and wrapping feet in aluminum foil health warning.  It’s important to stay safe and healthy.  An easy way to do this is to be informed.

Flu season and other winter illnesses are coming.  Avoid taking antibiotics if a virus is suspected and try eating more of these foods to boost your immune system.  Also try these natural medicines before they sell out!

 

 

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