Can I take St john's wort and Contraceptive pill together?

Perché succede

St John's Wort is a 'liver enzyme inducer'. This means it speeds up the process by which your liver breaks down the hormones (oestrogen and progestogen) found in the contraceptive pill. Because the hormones are cleared from your body much faster than normal, their levels drop too low to reliably prevent pregnancy.

You should not take St John's Wort if you are using any form of hormonal contraception (including the combined pill, the mini-pill, implants, or patches). If you have already started taking it, continue using your pill but use an extra barrier method of contraception (like condoms) immediately. Speak to your GP or pharmacist about alternative treatments for your mood that do not interfere with your birth control.

Unplanned pregnancy

St John's wort significantly reduces the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill. This can lead to contraceptive failure and unplanned pregnancy. You must use an additional barrier method of contraception (like condoms) or switch to a non-hormonal contraceptive method while taking St John's wort and for at least four weeks after stopping it.

St John's Wort (Herbal supplement)

St John's Wort is a potent enzyme inducer that speeds up the breakdown of contraceptive hormones in the liver. This significantly reduces the effectiveness of the pill, leading to breakthrough bleeding and a high risk of unintended pregnancy. You should not take St John's Wort if you are using hormonal contraception.

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Avvertenza

Queste informazioni sono solo a scopo educativo generale e non devono essere considerate un sostituto del consiglio medico professionale. Consultate sempre il vostro medico di base, farmacista o un altro professionista sanitario qualificato prima di prendere decisioni sui vostri farmaci. Le circostanze individuali possono variare, e solo un professionista sanitario che conosce la vostra storia medica può fornire una guida personalizzata.