Paxlovid may temporarily reduce the efficacy of combined contraceptives. While evidence is limited, it’s safest to consider using a backup method of contraception while taking Paxlovid.
Paxlovid can treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. It’s only authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in people who have a high risk of getting severe COVID-19.
It’s a combination of two medications. Nirmatrelvir works by stopping the virus from multiplying, allowing the body’s immune system to do its job more effectively.
Ritonavir has no effect on COVID-19 but helps nirmatrelvir stay in the body long enough to work properly.
Paxlovid is not suitable for people with severe kidney or liver disease. It can also affect the efficacy of HIV medication and certain contraceptives.
Paxlovid can prevent combined contraceptives from working properly. These include combination pills, patches, and vaginal rings.
According to the
However, the concentration of progestin
There haven’t been any studies on Paxlovid and hormonal contraceptives. All of this information comes from other research.
For example, HIV medication boosted with ritonavir — one of the ingredients of Paxlovid —
Can Lagevrio interfere with hormonal birth control?
Molnupiravir, also known as Lagevrio, has also been authorized by the FDA for emergency use to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.
It works in a similar way to Paxlovid, reducing the chance of severe symptoms by stopping the virus from multiplying and keeping levels low in the body.
However, there are no known effects on any form of contraception.
The only thing to be aware of is that if you vomit or have severe diarrhea that lasts for more than a day, the contraceptive pill may not have been fully absorbed, and you may not be protected from pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you’ve been prescribed Paxlovid and are taking a combined hormonal contraceptive.
They may advise using a different form of contraception or using a barrier method such as a condom on top of your usual contraception.
You’ll need to use what the doctor recommends for as long as you take Paxlovid and until you’ve completed a full menstrual cycle after your last dose. A cycle starts on the first day of a period and ends on the first day of the next period.
Even if the pill you take won’t be affected by Paxlovid, it’s important to be aware that diarrhea is a
Can you take emergency contraception pills at the same time as Paxlovid?
Ritonavir — one of the medications in Paxlovid — can affect levels of levonorgestrel in the blood, which is an important ingredient in some emergency contraceptive pills.
Levonorgestrel is a hormone
There is a different emergency contraceptive that doesn’t contain levonorgestrel. It’s called ella and uses a nonhormonal drug called ulipristal acetate.
There isn’t any specific research on Paxlovid and emergency contraception, though, so there’s no clear-cut answer.
If you’re not sure whether any medication you’re taking will interact with ella or Plan B One-Step, check the leaflet and consult with a healthcare professional for advice.
While there’s a lack of research on the effects of Paxlovid on hormonal birth control, there is a possibility it can reduce the effectiveness of combined contraceptives.
For that reason, you may need to use a different contraceptive or add a barrier method on top of what you usually take.
Before starting any new medication, let your healthcare professional know any prescription and over-the-counter medications you’re taking.
They can then let you know if your new medication is likely to interact with any of these, give you extra safety advice, or provide an alternative.
Lauren Sharkey is a U.K.-based journalist and author specializing in women’s issues. When she isn’t trying to discover a way to banish migraine headaches, she can be found uncovering the answers to your lurking health questions. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. Catch her on Twitter.