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Will Loratadine And Azithromycin Affect My Birth Control Pill?

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Posted on Sun, 24 Jun 2012
Question: will loratadine and azithromycin effect my birth control pill?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (11 minutes later)
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Loratadine and azithromycin both are inducers of hepatic enzymes and thus increase the metabolism of all the oral contraceptive pills- both combined pills and progesterone only pills.
This makes these contraceptive pills less effective. You need to take an alternative contraceptive measure for 3-5 days after you have finished taking Azithromycin.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (23 minutes later)
The birth control I'm taking is seasonique would that apply to this pill since I only have a period every 3 months?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (7 hours later)
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Yes it will apply to seasonique also as it is also a combination birth control pill.
You need to take additional alternative measures for birth control. Do continue taking your oral pill as scheduled.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal

OBGYN

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 14043 Questions

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Will Loratadine And Azithromycin Affect My Birth Control Pill?

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Loratadine and azithromycin both are inducers of hepatic enzymes and thus increase the metabolism of all the oral contraceptive pills- both combined pills and progesterone only pills.
This makes these contraceptive pills less effective. You need to take an alternative contraceptive measure for 3-5 days after you have finished taking Azithromycin.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.