Question21 years old, 130lbs, 5.2'
I have been having constant acne breakouts ever since I stopped using Depo-Provera (July 05). I've used progesterone-only pills for 1 month and 1/2, and they only made it worse. Then I was prescribed Ortho Novum 1/35. I've been with these (Ortho Novum) for approx. 1 month and half, and I'm still getting acne on face and back. How long should I wait? Will symptoms worsen if I stop taking these pills, take antibiotics to clear out skin, and start new pills later on?
Along those lines, if I stop taking birth control for the sake of antibiotics and resume other pills later on, but I start them a day other than my first of my menstrual period since I don't have it regularized yet (Depo), how long should I use a backup method?
AnswerI would switch to OrthoTriCyclen for birth control because it is known for reducing Acne. You can take the antibiotics while taking the pill. Although the efficacy of the pill is sometimes lessened while taking antibiotics, most antibiotics will not cause this lowering in efficacy. Speak to your dermatologist and use the best medications possible.Don't stop the pills while taking antibiotics. Just use some additional method of contraceptive (condom, diaphram) in addition to the pill while you are the course of antibiotics. Most antibiotics will not lower the efficacy of the pill. Don't worry.
