Does excessive heat reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills?

Question:

I left my birth control pills in the car over the weekend and it got over 100 degrees--will that change or reduce their effectiveness? The package said to store at 77-86 degrees F, but didn't say anything about what would happen above or below that temperature.

Answers:
If it was only for an hour or two, you should be fine. However, if they were in the hot car all weekend, you need to get another prescription filled and discard what you have left. Excessive heat (and cold) can alter the medication and it can lose it's effectiveness because of it.

Most likely no, but I would not take a risk. Before a contraceptive is approved for the market it is put though much more rigorous conditions than that. If you continue to take your pills use a backup form of contraception such as a condom. I hope this help you.

"The Crusader" is telling it true.
I would ad that you don't let
BC pills, or any meds sit out
in the light--sun OR house
lights.
All meds should be kept
at fixed temps and low or
no light.

Does excessive heat reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills?

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