Can a multivitamin affect the Pill?

[SummerSun15]

I have just recently started taking a really strong multivitamin, about 3 weeks ago. A few days ago I started spotting, and still am, which has never ever happened to me before. I always take my pill every day on time and am about half way through my pill pack. Also, my boyfriend in I use condoms as well just to be sure to not get pregnant, so I don't think that would be the cause. So I'm wondering if it could have anything to do with the multivitamins. However, I also started the South Beach diet at the same time I started the multivitamins. I'm just a little worried the multivitamins may have an affect on the effectiveness of my pill. Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance

 

[PertPerth]

In short - don't panic!

Yes, there are some suggestions that taking a high dose of vitamin C (over 1000mg) may reduce the effectiveness of the pill.
St John's Wort is more likely to cause issues - especially if you're on the mini-pill.

I'm guessing you're on a regular pill, rather than a mini-pill? I have spotted mid-cycle for years and have spoken to my GP and gyno about it. While it's annoying, it's not linked to the pill not working or "chance of getting pregnant"; rather your own hormone cycle.

As always, if in doubt, talk to your doctor and keep using condoms!

 

[peeked_curious]

Vitamins and St. Johns Wort

I have heard that multi-vits can have little
affect. But shouldn't do much if you have a higher
estrogen level in the pill. The only thing to really cause
the pill not to work are anti-boitics and other meds that
are used to fight off colds and viruses.
St. Johns Wort and other plant like meds are often used to
promote a healthy pregnancy but I haven't heard that they
affect the pill.
I would see your gyno or your general doctor for more information.
Always use condoms just incase.

 

[KokopelliRises]

There are many things that can affect how well the pill works.

In general: Stay away from St. John's Wort and most antibiotics. They will reduce the effectiveness of the pill.

I say most antibiotics because, depending on what hormone configuration the pill you're taking has, some don't have much of an effect on the effectiveness as others. I took the Patch this summer (am no longer on it for reasons unrelated to effectiveness) and in the instructions it basically said that most antibiotics will have little to no effect on the effectiveness of the patch--except for this certain class of antibiotics which I can't remember the name for off the top of my head.

Here's a couple sites that have some info about interactions (heck, I learned a few new things myself from them):
http://www.peacehealth.org/kbase/cam/hn-1268001.htm
http://forums.about.com/ab-womenshealth/messages?lgnF=y&msg=2090.1

I hope that helps.

 

[simplegirl]

the calcium in multivitamins could potentially affect the absorption. Simply make sure there's at least a 2 hour interval between taking them and you're fine.

 

[miss_bopeep]

Also make sure to stay away from grape fruit or its extracts as it screws up the way your body absorbs medications, dangerous if your on the birth control pill.
xo

 

[Firebrain]

You should be checked out by your doctor if you're having unprecedented spotting.

Also, nobody needs a multi-vitamin, unless prescribed. Half of the vits you're taking will be fat soluable and it doesn't sound like you're eating much of that