Dear kaidcapri,

Certain medicines may make the pill less effective. These include

• the antibiotic rifampin. (Other antibiotics do not make the pill less effective.)
• certain anti-fungals that are taken orally for yeast infections
• certain anti-HIV protease inhibitors
• certain anti-seizure medications

A girl who is considering going on a hormonal method of birth control should talk to her clinician about the medicines she already takes before getting a prescription for birth control.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.