Low-dose pills are drugs used for a variety of purposes, including contraception and alleviating menstrual pain. However, there are some nutrients that are said to be better not to take when using the pill.
In this article, we will explain the combination of pills and nutrients.

Basic knowledge about low-dose pills

What exactly is a low-dose pill? Here, we will explain the effects and side effects of low-dose pills. Before taking low-dose pills, be sure to understand what kind of effects they will have on your body after taking them.


Effects of low dose pills

The pill refers to a drug that contains female hormones. Low-dose pills are drugs that are effective by taking one pill every day. In addition to obtaining a contraceptive effect by suppressing ovulation, it is used to treat menstrual pain and endometriosis by thinning the endometrium, and it is used to treat PMS by stabilizing hormonal balance. .
Low-dose pills can be classified into 1st to 4th generations depending on the type of hormones they contain and when they were developed, and the way they are taken and the way their effects appear are also different.


Side effects of low dose pills

Although low-dose pills are less likely to cause side effects than the medium-dose pills that were used in the past, some people may experience changes in their physical condition due to changes in hormonal balance.
Symptoms that often appear as side effects of low-dose pills include nausea, headache, fatigue, lower abdominal pain, and chest heaviness and swelling. Another side effect that is often cited as a symptom to be careful of is ``thrombosis.'' Thrombosis is a disease in which small clots form in the blood, clogging blood vessels. Although the chance of this occurring due to the effects of the pill is low, in severe cases it may be life-threatening.

About the combination of pills and vitamins

Low-dose pills are effective in preventing pregnancy and relieving menstrual pain, but many people are concerned about side effects such as nausea and headaches.
When taking the pill, you need to be careful not to take certain medicines or foods. If you absolutely need to take it, consult your doctor before taking it.


Foods that don't mix well with the pill

There are some foods you should avoid while taking the pill, even if they don't normally affect your health. Grapefruit is a food that contains furanocoumaric acid, which weakens the ability to break down low-dose pills. Therefore, the pill may be more effective than expected and may increase the risk of side effects. It is safe to avoid taking it while taking it.
Similarly, fruits rich in vitamin C, such as lemons, satsuma mandarin oranges, and kabosu, are said to be safe to consume in regular amounts with the pill.

Other ingredients to be aware of when taking the pill

There are other ingredients that should be avoided while taking the pill. Here, we will introduce three representative ones.
If you want to know whether the medicine you are currently taking is compatible with the pill, consult your doctor.

alcohol

Alcohol, like drugs, is broken down by the liver. Therefore, if you consume large amounts of alcohol while taking the pill, it may delay its breakdown and make the pill more effective. Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while taking the pill, as it can cause severe side effects.
Also, if you are drunk and vomit or forget to take your pill, the pill may not be as effective.
However, there is no need to worry too much as it is said that there are no major negative effects if taken at appropriate intervals.


Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is one of the ingredients used as a painkiller. It may be added not only to antipyretic analgesics but also to cold medicines. If used together with the pill, acetaminophen may be less effective and the pill may be more effective.
If you are prescribed a medicine containing acetaminophen, be sure to tell your doctor before taking the low-dose pill. Please be careful as this is also included in over-the-counter medicines. When using cold medicine or antipyretic painkillers while taking the pill, be sure to check the ingredients.


st john's wort

St. John's wort is an ingredient that is ingested for its tranquilizing effects. It is sold as a supplement, and some people take it in herbal tea.
St. John's wort is one of the ingredients that is said to make the pill less effective. If you are taking the pill to prevent pregnancy, the chance of pregnancy increases if the pill becomes less effective.
Additionally, if you are taking the pill to treat conditions such as endometriosis or menstrual pain, the weakening of the pill may interfere with the treatment of the disease.

summary

Pills are used for a variety of purposes, including contraception and treatment of diseases. Even the foods and medicines you consume on a daily basis can interact with the pill. If you are unsure whether the medicine you are taking can be used with the pill, ask your doctor.

Article supervision

Aloha Saori Jiyugaoka Clinic Director
Professor Saori Todo
Aloha Saori Jiyugaoka Clinic

Graduated from Nippon Medical University School of Medicine. After training at Nippon Medical University Musashi-Kosugi Hospital, he entered the Department of Nephrology.
After that, he worked as the director of Zenninkai Maruko Clinic for 10 years.
Currently opening Aloha Saori Jiyugaoka Clinic. He claims to specialize in internal medicine, dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology.

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