title: Pill method failures.
abstract: This is a study over a four year period from November 1981 to December 1985 documenting 163 cases of pill method failures in reliable pill takers. In over one third of these cases (36%) there were no predisposing factors. Significant factors which were associated with failure were diarrhoea and/or vomiting in 35%, and breakthrough bleeding on the combined pill in 21%. While there is controversy in the literature about the role of antibiotics in causing pill failure, this study found 23% of failures associated with antibiotic use. Two failures occurred on anticonvulsant medication. Recommendations are made for improved instructions to patients.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Sparrow
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000150:complications; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000150:complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D012306:Risk; D012907:Smoking; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014839:Vomiting / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral