Drug interactions
Eslicarbazepine + Ethinylestradiol
Severity: Major
Eslicarbazepine and Ethinylestradiol: 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 lowers ethinylestradiol and progestin exposure, which can lead to contraceptive failure and breakthrough bleeding. Unintended pregnancy is a concern, and eslicarbazepine is teratogenic risk-bearing as an antiseizure drug.
What this interaction means in plain words
Eslicarbazepine and Ethinylestradiol 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
CYP3A4 induction by eslicarbazepine increases hepatic metabolism of ethinylestradiol and progestins.
What to do
Advise an additional or alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method such as a copper IUD. Hormonal contraception alone should not be relied upon.
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 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 Ethinylestradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Eslicarbazepine and Ethinylestradiol 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 lowers ethinylestradiol and progestin exposure, which can lead to contraceptive failure and breakthrough bleeding. Unintended pregnancy is a concern, and eslicarbazepine is teratogenic risk-bearing as an antiseizure drug.
How serious is the interaction between Eslicarbazepine and Ethinylestradiol?
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 such as a copper IUD. Hormonal contraception alone should not be relied upon.
What other medicines interact with Eslicarbazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Eslicarbazepine with, for example, Mavacamten, Rilpivirine, Artemether / lumefantrine. The full list is on the Eslicarbazepine page.
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