CONTRACEPTIVES AND OXCARBAZEPINE
Combined hormonal contraceptives and possibly progestogen-only oral contracep- tives are less reliable during treatment with oxcarbazepine. Breakthrough bleeding and spotting can take place. Controlled studies have shown that oxcarbazepine can reduce contraceptive steroid levels.
The increase in failure rate appears small, but because of the consequences of an
unwanted pregnancy, especially with drugs that may cause foetal abnormalities,
adjustments should be made. If possible, change to another suitable, non-interacting antiepileptic. For additional advice on the use of enzyme inducers, such as oxcarbazepine, and contraceptives, see contraceptives.
The increase in failure rate appears small, but because of the consequences of an
unwanted pregnancy, especially with drugs that may cause foetal abnormalities,
adjustments should be made. If possible, change to another suitable, non-interacting antiepileptic. For additional advice on the use of enzyme inducers, such as oxcarbazepine, and contraceptives, see contraceptives.