Drug interactions
Mestranol + Oxcarbazepine
Severity: Major
Mestranol 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 can lower estrogen exposure from mestranol-containing contraceptives, which may cause breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mestranol 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
CYP3A4 induction increases metabolism of mestranol and its active metabolite ethinylestradiol.
What to do
Use an alternative or additional non-hormonal contraceptive method, or a non-oral hormonal method such as an intrauterine system. Counsel on breakthrough bleeding.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mestranol with Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Mestranol 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 estrogen exposure from mestranol-containing contraceptives, which may cause breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure.
How serious is the interaction between Mestranol 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: Use an alternative or additional non-hormonal contraceptive method, or a non-oral hormonal method such as an intrauterine system. Counsel on breakthrough bleeding.
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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