I have been on the pill for four years and was prescribed azithromycin for a cold. I asked the pharmacist and he said it wasn't necessary to use back up birthcontrol. Well, we did use a condom until the week I was to start my period (that monday we didn't use anything... then i started my period on Wednesdsay ) so obviously we didn't do anymore.... until after. Basically what I am asking is... my period is due to start next week but i have spotted a little this week, my breasts are a little sensitive, and my hair seems to be flaling out.. All symptoms of pregnancy. Anyone offer any insight as to whether you know if zithromax decreases the effectiveness? And how easy would it be to get pregnant if it did.... I know i should just take a preg. test but I am scared!

YES> antibiotics stop birth control pills

I know of only one way women get pregnant.



Perhaps your question should be, "Am I more likely to get pregnant when taking azithromycin with birth control AND being sexually active?". The answer of course is 'yes'.



Anybody seen my jar of pickles? I think someone else might be needing it.

Antibiotics can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. I personally know of several babies who were born as a result of mom being on antibiotics while taking The Pill. I am surprised that the pharmacist said not to use a back up method.

i wouldn't worry about it. there are certain prescription drugs that will effect birth control. however, you did you back-up birth control and have had a period since, so i wouldn't worry about it. hair falling out isn't a pregnancy symptom that i have ever had and my breasts get sore, not sensitive.

Antibiotics might decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills (contraceptives). Birth control pills are composed of hormones that prevent the female reproductive system from preparing for insemination of the sperm.



There have been reports of pregnancy in women who have taken antibiotics while using birth control pills. The relationship has not been adequately studied to date. This may be in part because it is difficult getting volunteer women to take the pill with antibiotics to see if pregnancy occurs. Theoretically, additional medications might alter the metabolism and blood levels of the birth control hormones, thereby altering their effectiveness.



Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that antibiotics, such as rifampin, ampicillin, tetracylines, and griseofulvin have been reported to cause breakthrough bleeding and menstrual irregularities in women taking birth control pills. Similar effects have also been reported in women taking the seizure medications phenytoin and barbiturates.



It is also noteworthy that birth control pills are not 100 percent effective anyway.



It would be advisable for women who are using birth control pills to discuss with their doctors the use of additional contraceptive measures while taking antibiotics for optimal prevention of pregnancy

Yes antibiotics can and will effect your birth control pills my suggestion is to go get a test and test in about a week.



Getting pregnant while on birth control does happen livng proof is in my livingroon. He is 7. The best thing to do is test.

ANY broad-spectrum antibiotic would seriously increase your chances of getting pregnant while you're on the pill.



From what you're saying, I'm almost sure you're pregnant. The hair falling out is a sure-fire sign that there's something going on with your hormones that is not normal for you. Pregnancy is the most likely culprit.



When you miss your period, take a test. I can almost guarantee that you're pregnant.



If you're not, though, I would say that your body is going through a semi-withdrawal from the zithromax affecting your birth control. Getting off of birth control can make you lose your hair, too.



Remember, though, that even though zithromax is only five doses, it continues to work for 10 to 14 days.

I wouldn't think that zithro will decrease the effect of the pill. That is just an antibiotic and of course it does not have any hormones at all. To be sure, ask your DR. about that. What yoy just mentioned can be symptoms of ovulation as well. Wait untill your due date for your period. Sleepeness and an increase on hunger along with mood swings are more characteristic of pregnancy.Now...just wait....

Yes antibiotics CAN and DO affect birth control's effectiveness, didn't your doctor tell you this? Also it seems your pharmacist is misinformed...