Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Desogestrel
Severity: Major
Carbamazepine and Desogestrel: 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
Carbamazepine accelerates the metabolism of progestins and can lower desogestrel levels enough to cause contraceptive failure. Unintended pregnancy is a significant concern, especially given carbamazepine's teratogenic potential.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Desogestrel 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.
Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System; Desogestrel belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4, increasing clearance of desogestrel's active metabolite.
What to do
Use a non-hormonal or other reliable alternative contraceptive method, such as a copper IUD, during therapy and for 28 days after carbamazepine is stopped.
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 Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Desogestrel
- Berotralstat + Desogestrel Moderate
- Desogestrel + Lamotrigine Moderate
- Desogestrel + Mifepristone Moderate
- Desogestrel + Warfarin Moderate
- Alogliptin-metformin + Desogestrel Minor
- Canagliflozin-metformin + Desogestrel Minor
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Desogestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carbamazepine and Desogestrel 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. Carbamazepine accelerates the metabolism of progestins and can lower desogestrel levels enough to cause contraceptive failure. Unintended pregnancy is a significant concern, especially given carbamazepine's teratogenic potential.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Desogestrel?
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 a non-hormonal or other reliable alternative contraceptive method, such as a copper IUD, during therapy and for 28 days after carbamazepine is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Carbamazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbamazepine with, for example, Artemether / lumefantrine, Cabotegravir, Delamanid. The full list is on the Carbamazepine page.
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