Is it OK to take birth control medicine and thyroid medications at same time?

  • Q: Is it OK to take birth control medicine and thyroid medications at same time? Will the birth control medication still be effective while taking thyroid medication?
  • A: Generally speaking, drug interactions fall into three main categories: Drug-drug (i.e., prescription, over-the-counter, herbals, dietary supplements) interactions occur when two or more drugs react with each other. Drug-diet (food/drink) interactions result from drugs reacting with foods or drinks. Drug-disease interactions may occur when an existing medical condition makes certain drugs potentially harmful. In patients treated with thyroxine (i.e., levothyroxine), serum thyrotropin should be measured approximately 12 weeks after estrogen-containing oral contraceptive therapy is initiated, changed or discontinued, and the thyroxine dosage adjusted accordingly. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism occur, such as fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, unexplained weight gain, depression, joint or muscle pain, thinning hair or hair loss, dry skin, hoarseness, and abnormal menstrual periods. For more specific information, consult with your pharmacist for guidance based on your specific condition and current medications. Shereen A. Gharbia, PharmD
This question was answered on October 08, 2010.


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