Hormones and Birth Control with the birth control pill
Many women of reproductive age take a combined or progestogen-only oral contraceptive while also using a chronic medication such as Hormones and Birth Control (Hormones and Birth Control). The combination is generally fine at 1%, 1.62%, 0.3mg, 0.625mg, 1.25mg, but a small number of medications can reduce contraceptive efficacy meaningfully and need either a backup method or a switch.
How Hormones and Birth Control can affect contraceptive efficacy
Combined and progestogen-only contraceptives are metabolised through CYP3A4. Strong CYP3A4 inducers (some antiepileptics, rifampicin, St John's Wort) lower contraceptive plasma levels and reduce efficacy. Whether Clomiphene, Conjugated Estrogens, Drospirenone, Estradiol, Estriol, Levonorgestrel, Levothyroxine, Progesterone, Raloxifene, Testosterone, Tibolone acts on CYP3A4 determines whether Hormones and Birth Control affects contraception. Most agents in Hormones and Birth Control have no clinically meaningful effect on the pill at 1%, 1.62%, 0.3mg, 0.625mg, 1.25mg.
Practical guidance
According to the prescribing information for Clomiphene, Conjugated Estrogens, Drospirenone, Estradiol, Estriol, Levonorgestrel, Levothyroxine, Progesterone, Raloxifene, Testosterone, Tibolone, women on hormonal contraception should review Hormones and Birth Control with the prescribing pharmacist or doctor. Where an interaction is documented, additional barrier contraception or switching to a non-oral method (IUD, implant) for the duration of Hormones and Birth Control therapy is the standard mitigation.
Frequently asked questions
Will Hormones and Birth Control make my pill less effective? ▾
Most Hormones and Birth Control medications at 1%, 1.62%, 0.3mg, 0.625mg, 1.25mg do not affect oral contraceptive efficacy. The exceptions are CYP3A4-inducing drugs and a small number of others. The prescribing information for Clomiphene, Conjugated Estrogens, Drospirenone, Estradiol, Estriol, Levonorgestrel, Levothyroxine, Progesterone, Raloxifene, Testosterone, Tibolone states whether the interaction is meaningful.
Do I need a backup contraceptive on Hormones and Birth Control? ▾
Backup contraception is needed only when there is a documented interaction between Hormones and Birth Control and the contraceptive method. For most users at 1%, 1.62%, 0.3mg, 0.625mg, 1.25mg, no backup is required. The pharmacist confirms whether Clomiphene, Conjugated Estrogens, Drospirenone, Estradiol, Estriol, Levonorgestrel, Levothyroxine, Progesterone, Raloxifene, Testosterone, Tibolone interacts with hormonal contraception.
Medications in Hormones and Birth Control
More on Hormones and Birth Control
- With alcoholHormones and Birth Control and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Hormones and Birth Control be taken with food?
- Side effectsHormones and Birth Control side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- For older adultsHormones and Birth Control after 60: doses and safety in older adults
- For womenHormones and Birth Control for women: indications and considerations
- For menHormones and Birth Control for men: indications and considerations
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.