Facebook Pixel
Q: 

Cipro and birth control pills

By November 20, 2012 - 3:45pm
 
Rate This

Hello,

I just started my new pack of Ortho Tri Cyclen. I took my third pill today (Tues.) Today I was prescribed Cipro for a UTI. It is a three day supply of 500mg twice a day. I asked my doctor if it interferes with my birth control and she said it shouldn't. My pharmacist said that it may. I am confused. Could you weigh in on if you think it does compromise the effectiveness of the birth control pill and if it does how long after I finish the cipro do I need to use backup or abstain from sex?
Thanks so much for your advice

Add a Comment5 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I Just had surgery last Monday on my cervix. Aug 9th is the next day for my depro shot. I got prescribed Cipro last Friday due to an UTI. So I supposed to have bleeding due to surgery but I didn't. But now two days ago I started spotting not really bleeding and that small cramping feeling in the bottom of my stomach. So what else is there to do? I am not sexually active until the Dr releases me on Aug 1st. I hate this feeling....qhar should I do.

July 20, 2017 - 7:22am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hello everyone ! Just want to share my experience with Cipro for the sake of everybody or anybody who has been paranoid about the "INTERACTION OF CIPRO WITH BCP" ;) I've been taking Althea, a 21-cycle birth-control pill, combined low-dose oral contraceptive pill with antiandrogenic properties. Then I've got UTI and was prescribed with ciprofloxacin. The doctor said that this antibiotic is safe and will not lessen the effectiveness of my bcp. But I still have doubts so I made my own research and then I've read this study about cipro. The result of the study was "Ciprofloxacin does not appear to alter ovarian activity when co-administered with the low-dose oral contraceptive Marvelon. No evidence of pharmacokinetic interaction between the antibiotic and the contraceptive was detected." You can read the whole info here: http://www.popline.org/node/284490
But for the sake of my peace of mind, I still able to convince my boyfriend to wear condom while taking cipro for 7 days, twice a day. I've finished taking cipro 3 days before taking my last 3 pills. And then on the 2nd day of my placebo week, we had unprotected sex. On the 6th day of my placebo week, I was VERY NERVOUS AND PARANOID, still waiting for my period. Then I'm starting to think for Plan B and other stuffs about being pregnant. Before lunch, I had spotting, then continuous bleeding. That was SUCH A RELIEF !!!!! I almost cried for joy :D

December 30, 2014 - 5:18am
Guide

Hello screech,

I can appreciate your confusion. I did some research on the subject and what I found was consistent. According to rxlist. com and WebMD.com., "Although most antibiotics probably do not affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring, some antibiotics may decrease their effectiveness. This could cause pregnancy. Examples include rifamycins such as rifampin or rifabutin. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this antibiotic."

Since you have received conflicting advice from your physician and your pharmacist, I suggest you use an alternate form of birth control during the entire course that you are taking Cipro. Better to be safe than sorry.

Maryann

November 20, 2012 - 5:22pm
(reply to Maryann Gromisch RN)

Thank you Maryann. I appreciate your advice. So I know you said to use an alternate form of birth control during the course of the antibiotic, but how long after I am done with the antibiotic would you suggest being careful? Today is Wednesday and I just took my fourth pill of my birth controls pills for this month (started my new pack this past Sunday). My pharmacist said 7 days. Would you agree with that? I like to error on the very safe side. I am 39 and we do not plan to have kids so I don't want any surprises.
Thanks so much for your help!
Staci

November 21, 2012 - 12:40pm
Guide (reply to screech)

Hello Staci
I agree with you to error on the safe side and with your pharmacist's recommendation.
Maryann

November 21, 2012 - 6:05pm
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment

All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.

Birth Control

Get Email Updates

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!