Drug interactions
Levonorgestrel + Oxcarbazepine
Severity: Major
Levonorgestrel and Oxcarbazepine: major 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
Oxcarbazepine lowers levonorgestrel concentrations and can cause contraceptive failure, including with emergency contraception. Unintended pregnancy is the main risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
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.
Levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine; Oxcarbazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Oxcarbazepine induces CYP3A4, increasing levonorgestrel metabolism.
What to do
Recommend a non-hormonal or intrauterine method, or add a barrier method. For emergency contraception, consider a copper IUD or a higher levonorgestrel dose per local guidance.
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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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 Levonorgestrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levonorgestrel with Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. 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 lowers levonorgestrel concentrations and can cause contraceptive failure, including with emergency contraception. Unintended pregnancy is the main risk.
How serious is the interaction between 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 a non-hormonal or intrauterine method, or add a barrier method. For emergency contraception, consider a copper IUD or a higher levonorgestrel dose per local guidance.
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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