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Emergency contraception with enzyme inducer — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardInfection TherapeuticsEmergency contraception with enzyme inducerGPhC CRA

A community pharmacist is asked to supply an emergency hormonal contraceptive to a 19-year-old woman. She mentions she is currently taking rifampicin for latent tuberculosis. Which is the most appropriate recommendation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Refer for a copper intrauterine device

Rifampicin is a potent enzyme inducer that significantly reduces the efficacy of both levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate, even at increased doses. The copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception and its efficacy is not affected by enzyme-inducing drugs. FSRH guidance recommends the copper IUD as the preferred method in women taking enzyme inducers.

Reference: FSRH Emergency Contraception Guideline; BNF