Drug interactions
Etonogestrel + Oxcarbazepine
Severity: Major
Etonogestrel 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 can lower etonogestrel concentrations and may lead to contraceptive failure with implants or vaginal rings. Unintended pregnancy is the main concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Etonogestrel 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.
Etonogestrel belongs to Endocrine; Oxcarbazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Oxcarbazepine induces CYP3A4, accelerating etonogestrel metabolism.
What to do
Advise a non-enzyme-dependent method such as a copper IUD or levonorgestrel IUD. If the implant or ring is kept, add a barrier method during therapy and for a period after stopping oxcarbazepine.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Etonogestrel and Oxcarbazepine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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
Other interactions of Etonogestrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Etonogestrel with Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Etonogestrel 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 can lower etonogestrel concentrations and may lead to contraceptive failure with implants or vaginal rings. Unintended pregnancy is the main concern.
How serious is the interaction between Etonogestrel 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 a non-enzyme-dependent method such as a copper IUD or levonorgestrel IUD. If the implant or ring is kept, add a barrier method during therapy and for a period after stopping oxcarbazepine.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
