Expert: Pat G - 12/11/2009

Question
Is it bad to take the antibiotic ceftin (cefuroxime axetil 250mg) after an abortion?  

Answer
If the abortionist prescribed Ceftin, then you got it from someone who is at least somewhat knowledgeable. I imagine he wants to protect you from infection. You certainly shouldn't take it without a doctor's recommendation. The unfortunate part is that antibiotics only work against bacteria. They don't protect against viruses or fungus. A woman can get an infection with any of those after abortion. In fact, if the abortionist is re-using disposable instruments or not sterilizing properly (which is actually fairly common, unfortunately), a woman can get a sexually transmitted disease (including HIV) from an abortion. HIV is a virus, so Ceftin won't help with that.

If you are allergic to either penicillin or cephalosporin, you shouldn't take Ceftin. Antibiotics tend to kill off beneficial bacteria as well as harmful ones, so you should take a pro-biotic, or eat food with live cultures (yogurt is commonly used, but may not be strong enough). Kombucha is a good source of live cultures, and so are other fermented foods such as tempeh. You can also get Lactobacillus species in a capsule at the health food store; keep it refrigerated.

Here are links to probably way more information than you really wanted, but it would be wise to read them:
http://www.drugs.com/pdr/ceftin.html
http://www.drugs.com/cons/ceftin.html

So if you got it as a prescription, I'd say you should feel free to take it. If you develop any side effects, contact your doctor immediately. I would advise that you find a different doctor, however. Unless you have a medical condition making abortion necessary, the person who provided the abortion was willing to harm your body without a medical reason. So if I were in your position, I wouldn't trust him. When you can, please get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.

Let me know how you do, and please take care of yourself.