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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Taking Same Pill For A Long Become Less Effective?

I have been on the same birth control pill for about 3 years now ever since I started taking them. It varies with the brand whether it is generic or brand name, but the actual pill is the same. I am just wondering because I have been taking the same one for so long does it become less effective or effect me in any way. I am just wondering, because I have heard that it should be switched up, if it is time to change. right now there is no issue with them they have been serving me fine, I just want to make sure they are still effective as they have always been. I take it everyday, my period has always been regular. Thanks.
posted on Sat, 5 Sep 2015
Twitter Wed, 23 Sep 2015 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 24 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
Usually with medications like antibiotics or antihypertensive or antidiabetics this phenomenon is seen as body becomes used to the dosages and thus it becomes ineffective after certain period of time.
But BC pills are only hormones and even in body the same phenomenon goes on from menarche to menopause. Taking hormonal pills just are additives to the hormonal levels to keep cycles regular plus anti pregnancy effect.
So it will not become ineffective even if taken for long time.
But there are other side effects of these pills on body such as obesity, probability of DVT or thrombus formations. Also after very long time, effects on hearts are also noted. So use it cautiously and keep following up with your doctor so as to pick up any ill effects of these tablets early.
I hope I answered your question satisfactorily. If you have any more query kindly write back to me, will be happy to help you out.
Thank you.
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Does Taking Same Pill For A Long Become Less Effective?

Hello, Thanks for posting in HCM. Usually with medications like antibiotics or antihypertensive or antidiabetics this phenomenon is seen as body becomes used to the dosages and thus it becomes ineffective after certain period of time. But BC pills are only hormones and even in body the same phenomenon goes on from menarche to menopause. Taking hormonal pills just are additives to the hormonal levels to keep cycles regular plus anti pregnancy effect. So it will not become ineffective even if taken for long time. But there are other side effects of these pills on body such as obesity, probability of DVT or thrombus formations. Also after very long time, effects on hearts are also noted. So use it cautiously and keep following up with your doctor so as to pick up any ill effects of these tablets early. I hope I answered your question satisfactorily. If you have any more query kindly write back to me, will be happy to help you out. Thank you.