Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Eslicarbazepine
Severity: Major
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Eslicarbazepine: 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
Eslicarbazepine can lower circulating levels of ethinyl estradiol and the progestin in combined oral contraceptives. This may lead to breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure with unintended pregnancy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Eslicarbazepine 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.
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine; Eslicarbazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Eslicarbazepine is a weak-to-moderate inducer of CYP3A4 and increases hepatic metabolism of ethinyl estradiol and progestins.
What to do
Advise an additional or alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method (e.g., copper IUD) during treatment and for a period after stopping. Consider a non-interacting antiseizure drug if hormonal contraception is essential.
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 Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Amobarbital + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Anastrozole + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Apalutamide + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Atazanavir + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
Other interactions of Eslicarbazepine
- Eslicarbazepine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Eslicarbazepine + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Eslicarbazepine Major
- Avapritinib + Eslicarbazepine Major
- Bedaquiline + Eslicarbazepine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Eslicarbazepine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Eslicarbazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Eslicarbazepine 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. Eslicarbazepine can lower circulating levels of ethinyl estradiol and the progestin in combined oral contraceptives. This may lead to breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure with unintended pregnancy.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Eslicarbazepine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise an additional or alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method (e.g., copper IUD) during treatment and for a period after stopping. Consider a non-interacting antiseizure drug if hormonal contraception is essential.
What other medicines interact with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with, for example, Fezolinetant, Aminocaproic acid, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol page.
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