Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Valproic acid
Severity: Moderate
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Valproic acid: moderate 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
Estrogen-containing contraceptives can lower valproate concentrations, probably by inducing glucuronidation, which may reduce seizure control. Valproate does not meaningfully reduce contraceptive efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Valproic acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine; Valproic acid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Estrogen-induced increase in UGT-mediated glucuronidation and clearance of valproate.
What to do
Monitor seizure control and consider valproate levels when starting or stopping the contraceptive; adjust the valproate dose as needed. Be aware that levels may rise during pill-free intervals.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
Other interactions of Valproic acid
- Ertapenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Valproic acid can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Estrogen-containing contraceptives can lower valproate concentrations, probably by inducing glucuronidation, which may reduce seizure control. Valproate does not meaningfully reduce contraceptive efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone and Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor seizure control and consider valproate levels when starting or stopping the contraceptive; adjust the valproate dose as needed. Be aware that levels may rise during pill-free intervals.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone page.
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