Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Oxcarbazepine
Severity: Major
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Oxcarbazepine: 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
Oxcarbazepine induces CYP3A4 and lowers ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel concentrations. Contraceptive failure and breakthrough bleeding have been reported.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Oxcarbazepine 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.
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine; Oxcarbazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 accelerates hepatic metabolism of the contraceptive steroids.
What to do
Recommend additional or alternative non-hormonal contraception, such as a copper IUD or levonorgestrel IUD. Do not rely on standard-dose combined pills 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 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 Oxcarbazepine
- Cabotegravir + Oxcarbazepine Contraindicated
- Oxcarbazepine + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Atazanavir + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Bictegravir + Oxcarbazepine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Oxcarbazepine 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. Oxcarbazepine induces CYP3A4 and lowers ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel concentrations. Contraceptive failure and breakthrough bleeding have been reported.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel and Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Recommend additional or alternative non-hormonal contraception, such as a copper IUD or levonorgestrel IUD. Do not rely on standard-dose combined pills alone.
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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