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Carbamazepine and combined pill — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardCNS TherapeuticsCarbamazepine and combined pillGPhC CRA

A woman taking carbamazepine for epilepsy asks for emergency contraception advice after unprotected sex. She uses a combined oral contraceptive pill. What is the most important interaction to flag?

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Reduced hormonal contraceptive efficacy due to enzyme induction

Carbamazepine induces hepatic enzymes and can reduce effectiveness of hormonal contraception. The best answer addresses the key safety, legal or pharmaceutical care issue in the vignette. The other options would either delay appropriate care, create a new risk, or fail to resolve the issue. This is consistent with the cited UK reference for safe pharmacy practice.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS