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Womens Health > Birth Control Forum > Can birth contol / the patch cause birth defects ?
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Q: Can birth contol / the patch cause birth defects ?
asked by: DoctorQuestion on June 26th, 2007
I started the patch with a Sunday start day! I have been on the patch for 5 months now...well I got my period on 6/5/07 and was supposed to begin this months patch on Sunday 6/10/07 but forgot and started Tuesday 6/12/07. My second week was Tuesday 6/19 and my third week patch would be today 6/26/07. Problem is I am having break through bleeding? Is this normal from changing start days or some other reason? I have made an appointment with my OBGYN for July 2 but want some advise in advance! As my epilepsy meds could cause birth defects and I assume the patch can too!


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Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD
replied on August 8th, 2007
Birth Control Answer A3041
Thanks for your question. I’m not sure what you mean by “I am having break through bleeding?” Nonetheless, it doesn't seem that you are pregnant... but you can do a home pregnancy test to confirm or exclude possible pregnancy. Your epilepsy medicine, Keppra (levetiracetam), belongs to drugs which are in pregnancy category C ... which means it can cause fetal damage. Oral contraceptives are not recommended for use during pregnancy and should be discontinued if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant. If oral contraceptives are accidentally taken early in pregnancy, however, problems in the fetus should not normally occur.





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