Some Seizure Medications Could Be Quietly Weakening Birth Control

A new study published in the journal Neurology reveals that certain seizure medications could be quietly weakening the effectiveness of hormonal birth control for some Americans. Around one-third of epilepsy patients in the United States are taking hormonal contraceptives that may be rendered less effective due to their antiseizure medication, according to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh.

The researchers found that antiseizure drugs can potentially reduce the effectiveness of several types of hormonal birth control, including combined and progestin-only pills, contraceptive patches, vaginal rings, and subdermal implants. The study, conducted using Medicaid claims data from over 110,000 epilepsy patients of childbearing age, found that nearly 22,000 individuals had overlapping prescriptions for contraceptives and antiseizure medication between 2018 and 2021.

This drug interaction is particularly concerning for those with intellectual disabilities, drug-resistant epilepsy, or those over the age of 35. The researchers noted that limitations include the lack of data on adherence, counseling, pregnancy intentions, sexual orientation, activity, and barrier use. The potential drug interaction could pose various problems for Americans with epilepsy, as they may not be aware of the risk of unintended pregnancy, and adjusting medication can impact seizure frequency.

The study's authors emphasize the need for healthcare professionals to be more aware of these drug interactions and to collaborate more effectively in providing high-quality care for their shared patients.