epilepsy and implantable contraceptives
Last edited 02/2020
If a woman is using enzyme-inducing drugs e.g. phenytoin then this is a contraindication for the use of implants (1).
NICE state that the progesterone-only pill is not recommended as reliable contraception in women taking enzyme-inducing anti-epileptic drugs
- the progestogen-only pill is not recommended as reliable contraception in
women and girls taking enzyme-inducing AEDs
- the progestogen implant is not recommended in women and girls taking enzyme-inducing
AEDs
Reference:
- Prescriber (2001), 12 (5), 83-95.
- NICE (April 2018).The epilepsies: the diagnosis and management of the epilepsies in adults and children in primary and secondary care.
contraceptive implant (Nexplanon)
enzyme inducers and oral contraceptive pill