Drug interactions
Eslicarbazepine + Mestranol
Severity: Major
Eslicarbazepine and Mestranol: 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 can lower circulating estrogen and progestin levels, reducing the reliability of combined hormonal contraceptives. Breakthrough bleeding and unintended pregnancy may result.
What this interaction means in plain words
Eslicarbazepine and Mestranol 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
Enzyme induction, including CYP3A4, increases the metabolism of mestranol and its active metabolite ethinylestradiol.
What to do
Advise an alternative or additional non-hormonal contraceptive method, or an intrauterine option. Do not rely on the hormonal product alone.
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 Mestranol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Eslicarbazepine and Mestranol 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 estrogen and progestin levels, reducing the reliability of combined hormonal contraceptives. Breakthrough bleeding and unintended pregnancy may result.
How serious is the interaction between Eslicarbazepine and Mestranol?
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 alternative or additional non-hormonal contraceptive method, or an intrauterine option. Do not rely on the hormonal product alone.
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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