A patient who is taking a combination oral contraceptive begins taking carbamazepine. After several weeks, the patient tells the nurse she has begun experiencing spotting during her cycle. What will the nurse tell her to do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carbamazepine induces hepatic cytochrome P450 and thus accelerates the metabolism of oral contraceptives. Spotting is a sign of reduced OC blood levels; patients experiencing this symptom may need an increased estrogen dose. If the dose of OC is not changed, the woman may use condoms along with the OC. Reducing the dose of carbamazepine is not correct. Discontinuing the OC immediately is not correct.

A Patient Who Is Taking a Combination Oral Contraceptive Begins