Carbamazepine and combined pill — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateDrug InteractionsCarbamazepine and combined pillGPhC CRA

A woman taking carbamazepine is supplied a combined oral contraceptive and asks whether it will work. What is the most important interaction to flag?

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Correct answer: B — Reduced hormonal contraceptive effectiveness

Carbamazepine induces hepatic enzymes and can reduce combined hormonal contraceptive effectiveness. This makes reduced hormonal contraceptive effectiveness the single best answer in this scenario. The other options would either miss the key safety issue, delay appropriate review, or fail to meet the relevant clinical or professional requirement.

Reference: BNF; FSRH guidance