Drug interactions
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Valproic acid
Severity: Moderate
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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
Ethinyl estradiol-containing contraceptives can induce glucuronidation and lower valproate concentrations, which may reduce seizure control. Valproate itself does not reduce the efficacy of the contraceptive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine; Valproic acid belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Ethinyl estradiol induces UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity, increasing valproate clearance.
What to do
Monitor seizure frequency and valproate levels when starting or stopping the contraceptive, and adjust the dose as needed. Be aware that levels may rise during the pill-free interval.
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-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 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-levonorgestrel with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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-containing contraceptives can induce glucuronidation and lower valproate concentrations, which may reduce seizure control. Valproate itself does not reduce the efficacy of the contraceptive.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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 frequency and valproate levels when starting or stopping the contraceptive, and adjust the dose as needed. Be aware that levels may rise during the pill-free interval.
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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