Does Cefixime Reduce The Effectiveness Of Nexplanon?

Posted on Sun, 14 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 Answered on

Wed, 1 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My girlfriend is currently on Nexplanon that is implanted into her arm. She is currently taking Suprax- generic Cefixime- (antibiotic for her strep throat) and I was wondering if this would have any affect on the birth control? We recently had unprotected sex the day after she started her medication so I am a little worried. If this has any affect on the birth control, how much of an affect is it? Since I believe her Nexplanon is rated at 99.99% effectiveness.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
She is protected against pregnancy.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
Taking antibiotic cefixime does not have much effect on the efficacy of Nexplanon. The contraceptive is still almost 97% effective. You need not worry regarding pregnancy.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (14 minutes later)

Thank you so much for the quick response! When should the birth control be back to full strength?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Within a week.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The birth control should be back to full strength within a week of stopping the antibiotic.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar