Drug interactions
Butabarbital + Etonogestrel
Severity: Major
Butabarbital and Etonogestrel: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Barbiturates are enzyme inducers that accelerate progestin metabolism and can lower etonogestrel concentrations enough to cause contraceptive failure. Unintended pregnancy has been reported with enzyme-inducing drugs and implants.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butabarbital and Etonogestrel can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Induction of hepatic CYP3A4 by butabarbital increases etonogestrel clearance.
What to do
Use an alternative non-hormonal or non-induced-sensitive method such as a copper IUD or DMPA, or add condoms during and for several weeks after barbiturate use.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Etonogestrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butabarbital with Etonogestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Butabarbital and Etonogestrel can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Barbiturates are enzyme inducers that accelerate progestin metabolism and can lower etonogestrel concentrations enough to cause contraceptive failure. Unintended pregnancy has been reported with enzyme-inducing drugs and implants.
How serious is the interaction between Butabarbital and Etonogestrel?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an alternative non-hormonal or non-induced-sensitive method such as a copper IUD or DMPA, or add condoms during and for several weeks after barbiturate use.
What other medicines interact with Etonogestrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Etonogestrel with, for example, Amobarbital, Armodafinil, Bosentan. The full list is on the Etonogestrel page.
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