Drug interactions
Eslicarbazepine + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
Severity: Major
Eslicarbazepine and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 is a weak-to-moderate CYP3A4 inducer and can lower exposure to ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Reduced hormone levels can cause breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Eslicarbazepine and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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 belongs to Central Nervous System; Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 enhances metabolic clearance of the contraceptive steroids.
What to do
Advise an additional or alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method while taking eslicarbazepine and for at least the first cycle after stopping. Consider a copper IUD or levonorgestrel IUD as more reliable options.
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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References
Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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 Eslicarbazepine with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Eslicarbazepine and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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 is a weak-to-moderate CYP3A4 inducer and can lower exposure to ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Reduced hormone levels can cause breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure.
How serious is the interaction between Eslicarbazepine and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
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 while taking eslicarbazepine and for at least the first cycle after stopping. Consider a copper IUD or levonorgestrel IUD as more reliable options.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel page.
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