Drug interactions
Eslicarbazepine + Levonorgestrel
Severity: Major
Eslicarbazepine and 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 lowers levonorgestrel exposure and can cause hormonal contraceptive failure and unintended pregnancy. This is clinically important given the teratogenic risk of antiseizure drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Eslicarbazepine and 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; Levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 induction by eslicarbazepine increases metabolism of levonorgestrel.
What to do
Use a non-hormonal or highly effective alternative method such as a copper IUD. If levonorgestrel emergency contraception is used, a dose increase may be considered per local guidance.
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
Other interactions of Levonorgestrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Eslicarbazepine with Levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Eslicarbazepine and 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 lowers levonorgestrel exposure and can cause hormonal contraceptive failure and unintended pregnancy. This is clinically important given the teratogenic risk of antiseizure drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Eslicarbazepine and 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: Use a non-hormonal or highly effective alternative method such as a copper IUD. If levonorgestrel emergency contraception is used, a dose increase may be considered per local guidance.
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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