An adolescent will begin taking the combination oral contraceptive pill (OCP). Which supplement will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner caution the adolescent to avoid while taking OCPs?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

St. John's wort is known to decrease the effectiveness of OCPs by increasing the metabolism of estrogen and progestin hormones in the liver. It is important for the adolescent to avoid taking St. John's wort while on OCPs to prevent unintended pregnancy. The other supplements listed (Ginkgo, Kava, and Valerian) are not known to interact with OCPs.

An Adolescent Will Begin Taking the Combination Oral Contraceptive Pill