Re: Long term use of Diflucan and Progesterone levels w/birth control
From: William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sun, 18 Aug 2002 16:45:59 -0500 (CDT)
Ann
I do not think you have any worries about pregnancy here.
At Sat, 17 Aug 2002, Ann wrote:
>
>I have valleyfever (http://www.valleyfever.com) and take 200mg 2xday Diflucan
>indefinately since 5/02. I noticed dizziness/lightheadedness, gradually
>increasing, now developed into severe headaches. Tested for VF-related
>meningitis which was negative;not the cause of the headaches.
>I also take OrthoTri-cyclen for family-planning & endometriosis, had
>laparoscopy surgery for 5 years ago-really helped. The doctor has
>stressed several times importance of not getting pregnant w/Diflucan.
>I talked with the pharmacist re:interactions between the two medicines.
>The Diflucan literature stated w/clinical trials an average increase of
>estrogen approx. 28%; an average increase of progesterone approx. 38%
>(highest was 101%), for a ten day trial with only 200 mg Diflucan perday
>which I take 400mg.
>I have increased PMS symptoms-bloating, irritability, the most
>bothersome being severe, debilitating headaches which are vascular in
>nature-almost nothing relieves. 2 tablets of butalbital w/caffeine with
>800 mg advil barely dulls the pain & still feel very dizzy. I have also
>been 1 day late with my period for the past 3 months. I have been on
>BCP for 11+ years and start my period on the same day every four weeks-
>not now.
>The pharmacist said the increase in progesterone could be causing these
>symptoms, including headaches. I have an appointment w/OBGYN in two
>weeks, but I need relief now! I have thought about stopping the BCP cold
>turkey. Would that screw up my hormones? Also, DH and I had sex today
>so I would be hesitant to stop now.
>I have Naproxen that I was given for severe VF leg pain and thought of
>that for headaches.
>Can progesterone be causing symptoms? In the meantime what can I do?
>Pharmacist gave me names of two low-dose progesterone BCP to tell doctor
>about which I will discuss. Any thoughts?
--
William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG
Chairman, Editorial Advisory Board
Pregnancy and Birth Section
Private Practice
New Orleans, La.
*Please understand I can not respond to private emails.
*These comments are for educational purposes only. They are
not meant to take the place of an examination by a qualified
health care provider. They are not intended to be the start
of a physician-patient relationship.
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