Can you take antibiotics with birth control? According to the latest available studies, experts and women’s health providers, only one antibiotic - rifampin (Rifadin) - has been proven to make birth control less effective. Apart from rifampin, you're safe to take birth control pills at the same time as antibiotics without also using a back-up method. Anti-HIV Drugs Some meds that treat HIV may interfere with the pill. How to use Cipro. Read the Medication. Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect hormonal birth control such as pills , patch, or ring, a few antibiotics (such as rifampin, rifabutin. Antibiotics and birth control: does one medication affect the work of another one? Do antibiotics reduce the effect of contraceptives? This question puzzles many women. Back-up Contraception With Cipro (Ciprofloxacin)? In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not back-up contraception is needed if you are on birth control pills and are prescribed Cipro (ciprofloxacin). Cipro Birth Control Pill Interactions. Online Pill Store, Guaranteed Shipping. Cipro Birth Control Pill Interactions. Online Pill Store, Guaranteed Shipping. The best lowest prices for all drugs. Online Pharmacy Shop: 100% quality, low prices, 24/7 support, fast delivery. Since you have received conflicting advice from your physician and your pharmacist, I suggest you use an alternate form of birth control during the entire course that you are taking Cipro. Better to be safe than sorry. Therefore, individuals taking birth control pills should use a second method of birth control when taking these antibiotics or other drugs that can increase the break-down of estrogens. The other way that antibiotics could interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills is by reducing the re-circulation of estrogens within the body. However, since the consequences of an unintended pregnancy can be substantial, for your own peace of mind it would also certainly be reasonable to use an additional form of birth control while you are taking the Cipro. As with any sexual encounter, it is important to remember that practicing safe sex is the only way to protect the health of both partners. While oral contraceptives are very. To be on the safe side, you may want to use a backup form of birth control, such as a condom or diaphragm, while taking antibiotics. Medically reviewed by Nicole Galan, RN on February 1, 2016.