Drug interactions
Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate and Secobarbital: 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
Barbiturates induce hepatic enzymes that speed up the metabolism of contraceptive estrogens and progestins. This may lower hormone levels and lead to breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate and Secobarbital 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
Hepatic enzyme induction (CYP3A4) by secobarbital increases clearance of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel.
What to do
Use a non-hormonal or additional barrier method during treatment, and continue it for about 28 days after stopping the barbiturate. Consider an alternative contraceptive such as a copper IUD.
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 Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate and Secobarbital 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. Barbiturates induce hepatic enzymes that speed up the metabolism of contraceptive estrogens and progestins. This may lower hormone levels and lead to breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure.
How serious is the interaction between Levonorgestrel oral / ethinylestradiol / ferrous bisglycinate and Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a non-hormonal or additional barrier method during treatment, and continue it for about 28 days after stopping the barbiturate. Consider an alternative contraceptive such as a copper IUD.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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