Which medicines or supplements can interact with Birth control daily pills?

Birth control pills can interact with prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements. Certain seizure medicines, rifampin or rifabutin, some HIV treatments, and St. John’s wort can lower hormone levels and reduce pregnancy protection. Most common antibiotics do not have this effect, but your pharmacist should check the exact medicine.

Interactions can also work the other way. For example, estrogen-containing pills can lower levels of lamotrigine, a medicine used for seizures and some mood conditions. Some progestin-only pills also need extra review when taken with medicines that raise potassium levels.

Give your prescribing physician and pharmacist a complete list of everything you take, including occasional medicines and supplements. Mention any planned changes. Do not stop another prescribed medicine on your own to avoid an interaction.

Your care team can tell you whether you need backup contraception, a different pill, or another method. If you need emergency contraception, mention your regular pill and other medicines because they can affect which option is appropriate.