Respiratory Medications 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 Respiratory Medications (Respiratory Medications). The combination is generally fine at 4mg, 5mg, 10mg, 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, but a small number of medications can reduce contraceptive efficacy meaningfully and need either a backup method or a switch.
How Respiratory Medications 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 Albuterol, Budesonide, Formoterol, Montelukast acts on CYP3A4 determines whether Respiratory Medications affects contraception. Most agents in Respiratory Medications have no clinically meaningful effect on the pill at 4mg, 5mg, 10mg, 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg.
Practical guidance
According to the prescribing information for Albuterol, Budesonide, Formoterol, Montelukast, women on hormonal contraception should review Respiratory Medications 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 Respiratory Medications therapy is the standard mitigation.
Frequently asked questions
Will Respiratory Medications make my pill less effective? ▾
Most Respiratory Medications medications at 4mg, 5mg, 10mg, 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg do not affect oral contraceptive efficacy. The exceptions are CYP3A4-inducing drugs and a small number of others. The prescribing information for Albuterol, Budesonide, Formoterol, Montelukast states whether the interaction is meaningful.
Do I need a backup contraceptive on Respiratory Medications? ▾
Backup contraception is needed only when there is a documented interaction between Respiratory Medications and the contraceptive method. For most users at 4mg, 5mg, 10mg, 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, no backup is required. The pharmacist confirms whether Albuterol, Budesonide, Formoterol, Montelukast interacts with hormonal contraception.
Medications in Respiratory Medications
More on Respiratory Medications
- With alcoholRespiratory Medications and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Respiratory Medications be taken with food?
- Side effectsRespiratory Medications side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- For older adultsRespiratory Medications after 60: doses and safety in older adults
- For womenRespiratory Medications for women: indications and considerations
- For menRespiratory Medications 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.