Taking pill while on other medication - scared I'm pregnant

[ladylibertine]

Hey guys, I'm new here, just registered as I was looking for some info and thought I'd try the message boards.

I've just started having sex quite recently and I'm currently in the middle of my first pill pack (I'm on Yasminelle). I started taking the pill 10 days ago and at the time I was taking an anti fungal called Sporanox. I finished taking this 4days ago. I was concerned that it may reduce the effectiveness of the pill so we used condoms, however a couple of days ago I contacted the doctor who prescribed the pill to me, and she said that the two drugs do not interact and that I am protected. So my boyfriend and I had sex last night without using back up protection.

Now here's my problem... I did a bit of reading on the internet and the info I'm getting is contradictory. I've looked at some of those drug interaction checkers and some say the sporanox won't affect the pill, however I also found several articles claiming there is a risk and the pill won't work.

I'm now absolutely terrified that I may have fallen pregnant. I'm also concerned that the pill isn't working properly as I've had some light bleeding (spotting) since I started on the pill.

I would be really grateful to anyone who can give me some insight or advice, and hopefully put my mind at rest as I'm getting really worried

Thanks

[Brandye]

OK, I shall confuse you even more. Taking the two drugs together actually increases the serum estrogen in the blood. There is a drug interaction here and I would not recommend long term use of them together. It is not likely that the two will cause a contraceptive failure.

Now, getting off the Sproonax may give some risk. Because the sporanox has increased the serum level of the active birth control ingredients, you body may be registering this as your "new normal." So, when you stop the Sporanox, you may ovulate.

There is no clear literature (that I am aware of) on this. I do recommend to my patients that they use condoms as they leave the Sporanox until their next period. I am not saying your doctor is wrong at all. I just do these things on the safe side and this is an issue that cannot be simply handled in web postings.

Spotting is an ironic consequence of the higher serum levels that is not explained by any pharmacology theory. It just happens. And being new to the pill also often results in some breakthrough spotting.

Relax and I am sorry that this is not amenable to a simple yes or no. It is very unlikely that you have become pregnant but I do recommend protecting yourself when you stop the anti-fungal.

[ladylibertine]

I came off sporanox three days before I had sex without a condom, I just really hope I haven't ovulated.

Thanks so much for the info Brandye, and for putting my mind a bit more at ease. I will definitely use added protection for the next few weeks, and hope I get my period!