Drug interactions
Ethinylestradiol + Oxcarbazepine
Severity: Major
Ethinylestradiol 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 lowers ethinylestradiol and progestin exposure and can cause contraceptive failure with unintended pregnancy. Breakthrough bleeding may signal reduced hormone levels. This effect is described in oxcarbazepine labeling.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinylestradiol 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.
Why it happens
Oxcarbazepine induces CYP3A4, increasing metabolism of ethinylestradiol and progestins.
What to do
Advise an additional or alternative non-hormonal method such as a copper IUD, or a levonorgestrel IUD. Do not rely on oral hormonal contraception 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 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 Ethinylestradiol with Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethinylestradiol 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 lowers ethinylestradiol and progestin exposure and can cause contraceptive failure with unintended pregnancy. Breakthrough bleeding may signal reduced hormone levels. This effect is described in oxcarbazepine labeling.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinylestradiol 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: Advise an additional or alternative non-hormonal method such as a copper IUD, or a levonorgestrel IUD. Do not rely on oral hormonal contraception alone.
What other medicines interact with Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxcarbazepine with, for example, Cabotegravir, Rilpivirine, Artemether / lumefantrine. The full list is on the Oxcarbazepine page.
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