I was on a prescription for Bactrim which I finished yesterday. I am also on the contraceptive Seasonale. Per my doctor’s instructions, my partner and I used a condom last evening which for lack of a better word, failed. I had previously ready that certain forms of birth control can be used as an emergency contraceptive by increasing the dose. For the particular pills I take, it instructs you to take 4 as soon as you can (which I did) and 4 more twelve hours later (which I also did). Because I was on an antibiotic, I am worried that the form of emergency contraceptive may have been compromised so I purchased the “day after pill” Next Choice. I have not yet taken it because I am not certain if it is even necessary. I am also concerned that increased side effects may present themselves. Any advice would be appreciated!

21. March 2012

Taking the Next Choice emergency contraception is not necessary.

Continue taking your regular birth control pills every day. Using “regular” birth control pills as emergency contraception was developed in the early 1970’s. Most clinicians do not use this way anymore because the increased estrogen content did create unpleasant side effects (nausea, vomiting). Additionally, many women would forget to take the second dose twelve hours later.

Today’s ECP’s (Plan B, One Step, Next Choice) contain progesterone only. Because they are free of estrogen, they are safe for most women and have very few side effects. Plus, most are packaged as a convenient one pill, one time dose.

The most common side effect after taking emergency contraception is irregular bleeding and spotting. Your next period may be earlier or later than usual. If your next period is more than 1 week late, perform a pregnancy test.

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