Does spironolactone taken with birth control cause the birth control not to work?

Question

I am currently taking spironolactone with birth control for acne purposes. I know that it is not advisable to get pregnant while on spironolactone. However, I am curious if taking these two pills together causes the birth control to not work properly? Is it easier to get pregnant?

Melissa Chiang, MD, FAAD · Answer

Spironolactone does NOT effect the efficacy of your birth control.  It does make your skin less sensitive to the hormones that cause hormonal acne.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Both medications work well together to help control acne.  The spironolactone does not affect the ovaries or ovulation, and can't be used alone as a birth control method.  It is more specific to helping the oil glands be less sensitive to our natural testosterone and helps with excessive hair on the lower face in women, and hormonal acne.  The oral birth control pills do not really see or interact with the spironolactone, so you are not at higher risk of pregnancy by taking both.  We do recommend always using birth control while on spironolactone if you are of childbearing potential.
Please discuss them with your dermatologist who is an expert.
Thanks for your question!

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Unlike antibiotics, there are no interactions between the pill and spironolactone. All safe. If you are planning pregnancy, talk to your dermatologist about coming off the spiro and onto a pregnancy safe acne prevention regime. All the best, Dr Davin Lim

Does spironolactone taken with birth control cause the birth control not to work?

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Does spironolactone taken with birth control cause the birth control not to work?

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Everything you need to know about Spironolactone For Acne

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