Birth Control and Perfect You-se

Here at Emme, we’re always working to make sure your pill gets taken on time. While that’s a huge part of reducing the failure rate of your birth control, we’re here to remind you of a few more to keep in mind.

1. Find the expiration date! The medication becomes less effective after the expiration date printed on the package. Make sure to toss any old birth control safely. 
2. Store it safely! Birth control can become less effective if it is exposed to heat or cold. Try to keep your pack somewhere around room temperature (that is, between 59° and 86°F).
3. Check for interactions! There are a few medications that interact with oral birth control and can make it less effective. These include some HIV-treating medications, Some anti-fungal meds, several anti-seizure drugs (including the migraine medicine Topamax), Provigil (Modafinil), and St. John’s Wort. 
4. Tummy troubles? If you experience vomiting or severe diarrhea within an hour of taking your pill, the effectiveness of the medication is reduced. It can be helpful to use a backup method of protection like condoms until you have taken 7 days of active pills.