Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate
Severity: Contraindicated
Carbamazepine and Dienogest / estradiol valerate: contraindicated 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 induces hepatic metabolism of estrogens and progestins and can reduce contraceptive efficacy, causing breakthrough bleeding and unintended pregnancy. Labeling advises against use with strong inducers and for a period after stopping.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Dienogest / estradiol valerate are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4, accelerating metabolism of dienogest and estradiol.
What to do
Use a non-hormonal or inducer-independent contraceptive such as a copper IUD or DMPA, and continue it for about 28 days after stopping carbamazepine.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Ensitrelvir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Dienogest / estradiol valerate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Carbamazepine and Dienogest / estradiol valerate are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Carbamazepine induces hepatic metabolism of estrogens and progestins and can reduce contraceptive efficacy, causing breakthrough bleeding and unintended pregnancy. Labeling advises against use with strong inducers and for a period after stopping.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Dienogest / estradiol valerate?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, 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 inducer-independent contraceptive such as a copper IUD or DMPA, and continue it for about 28 days after stopping carbamazepine.
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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