Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments with the birth control pill
Many women of reproductive age take a combined or progestogen-only oral contraceptive while also using a chronic medication such as Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments (Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments). The combination is generally fine at 0.01%, 0.03%, 0.005%, but a small number of medications can reduce contraceptive efficacy meaningfully and need either a backup method or a switch.
How Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments can affect contraceptive efficacy
Combined and progestogen-only contraceptives are metabolised through CYP3A4. Strong CYP3A4 inducers (some antiepileptics, rifampicin, St John's Wort) lower contraceptive plasma levels and reduce efficacy. Whether Bimatoprost, Latanoprost acts on CYP3A4 determines whether Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments affects contraception. Most agents in Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments have no clinically meaningful effect on the pill at 0.01%, 0.03%, 0.005%.
Practical guidance
According to the prescribing information for Bimatoprost, Latanoprost, women on hormonal contraception should review Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments with the prescribing pharmacist or doctor. Where an interaction is documented, additional barrier contraception or switching to a non-oral method (IUD, implant) for the duration of Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments therapy is the standard mitigation.
Frequently asked questions
Will Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments make my pill less effective? ▾
Most Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments medications at 0.01%, 0.03%, 0.005% do not affect oral contraceptive efficacy. The exceptions are CYP3A4-inducing drugs and a small number of others. The prescribing information for Bimatoprost, Latanoprost states whether the interaction is meaningful.
Do I need a backup contraceptive on Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments? ▾
Backup contraception is needed only when there is a documented interaction between Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments and the contraceptive method. For most users at 0.01%, 0.03%, 0.005%, no backup is required. The pharmacist confirms whether Bimatoprost, Latanoprost interacts with hormonal contraception.
Medications in Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments
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- For womenEye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments for women: indications and considerations
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The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.