A woman who has a seizure disorder and takes barbiturates and phenytoin sodium daily asks the nurse about the oral contraceptive pill (OCP)as a contraceptive choice.What is the basis for the nurses' response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

"Your current medications will reduce the effectiveness of the pill" is a true statement.It is not highly effective for her because the liver metabolizes oral contraceptives and their effectiveness is reduced when they are taken simultaneously with anticonvulsants.The anticonvulsant will reduce the effectiveness of the pill,not the other way around.The OCP is not a good choice for women with a seizure disorder,as the effectiveness of the pill may be reduced because of anticonvulsant therapy.

A Woman Who Has a Seizure Disorder and Takes Barbiturates