Break Through Bleeding
 

Hey everyone, sorry I've only been quietly lurking lately. Life has been crazy.

As some may remember I started on the Ortho Evra patch in August (which is fantastic by the way now that I've found a good place to stick it). About 6 weeks ago I was put on 2,000mg of an antibiotic for an infection in a cartalidge piercing. This totally messed up my system and caused me to only have a peroid for about 3 days last cycle (ended 3 weeks ago). Last night, I get some pretty lovely break through bleeding, and it's gone today. This is a week before I was supposed to go off the patch again.

I called the doc, and she said I was okay since I haven't had sex, but if it happened again to call her. Anyone else had this happen with antibiotics?

Sorry can't say that I have. But I am also on the Ortho Evra patch and have been for over a year and I love it.

Well, seeing as the patch uses the same active ingredient as the Pill, it's no wonder the antibiotics had an effect. The same thing would have happened had you been on the Pill.

Breakthrough bleeding is a common side effect with any hormonal method. No worries. It is more common with some hormonal methods than others (eg: Depo-Provera v. the Pill).

Now is the time for a healthy reminder as we are in the midst of cold/flu season:

IF YOUR DOCTOR PLACES YOU ON ANTIBIOTICS AND YOU USE HORMONAL BIRTH CONTROL, PLEASE REMEMBER TO USE A BARRIER METHOD DURING YOUR COURSE OF TREATMENT.

good to know... about antibiotics weakening B.C.

Another couple of reminders:

If you have diarrhea or vomiting and are taking oral contraceptives, use a barrier backup method of birth control for a month.

If you are taking other medications (prescription or over-the-counter), check for drug interactions or contraindications with your doctor or pharmacist.

I should also note that some acid reflux medications interfere with the absorption of birth control. Always read the box before taking or ask a pharmacist. :)

they list is as a potential thing to happen specially when its your first two boxes. your body is still adjusting and if its more than what your body produces, it will react a little. you arent going to die but its just a matter of waiting it out for awhile. but yea, listen and call your doc if it gets worse.