drugs which have potential to effect the efficacy of hormonal contraception

Last reviewed 01/2018

Example drugs are listed. Please check guidance (1) and BNF for more comprehensive information.

  • drugs that reduce contraceptive hormone levels or decrease contraceptive effects are

    • antiepileptics e.g. - carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
      • modest to marked reduction in ethinylestradiol (EE) and progestogens. Possible reduced contraceptive efficacy

    • antibiotics e.g. - rifabutin, rifampicin
      • rifabutin associated with a modest reduction in EE or estradiol and progestogen. Rifampicin has a marked effect

    • antiretroviral e.g. - ritonavir - marked reduction in EE. EE reduced by 40%. Additional and/or alternative contraceptive methods advised

    • emergencey contraceptives e.g - ulipristal acetate
      • theoretical reduction in the efficacy of progestogen-containing contraceptives. Additional precautions required for 14 days (9 days if using or starting POP, 16 days for Qlaira®)

    • gastrointestinal drugs e.g. - proton pump inhibitors, antacids, H2 receptor antagonists
      • theoretical reduction in plasma concentrations of UPA and may result in decreased efficacy. Concomitant use not recommended

    • herbal e.g. - St. Johns Wort - is a weak enzyme inducer and has the potential to reduce efficacy

  • drugs that increase contraceptive hormone levels
    • antibacterial e.g. - erythromycin

  • the clinical significance is not known but increased adverse events might be anticipated
    • antifungal e.g. - fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole

  • modest increases in EE and progestogen
    • antiretroviral e.g. - atazanavir
    • NSAID's e.g. - etoricoxib
      • doses of etoricoxib >=60 mg raise ethinylestradiol (EE) levels by approximately 40% or more

  • potential risk of estrogen-related adverse events
    • statins e.g - atorvastatin the clinical significance is not known but likely to be small

Reference