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News
A new study finds that nearly a third of people with epilepsy on hormonal contraceptives were also prescribed anti-seizure medications that can undermine birth control effectiveness. Enzyme-inducing anti-seizure medications speed up how quickly contraceptives clear from the bloodstream, raising the risk of unintended pregnancy. Those with intellectual disabilities or drug-resistant epilepsy face even higher risks.
A large study published in Neurology reveals a concerning gap in cross-specialty care: roughly one-third of people with epilepsy of childbearing potential (PWECP) who were prescribed hormonal contraceptives were simultaneously on enzyme-inducing anti-seizure medications (EIASMs) — drugs that can accelerate how quickly contraceptives leave the bloodstream, potentially rendering them less effective.
Researchers analyzed Medicaid claims for over 110,000 PWECP between 2016 and 2021, finding that 32.6% had at least a 14-day overlap between their contraceptive and an EIASM — the minimum threshold linked to reduced contraceptive effectiveness. Alarmingly, the median overlap duration was 218 days. Lead researcher Dr. Laura Kirkpatrick noted that many neurologists, OB/GYNs, and primary care providers remain unaware of these drug interactions due to siloed specialty care.
Why it matters: Unplanned pregnancies in people with epilepsy carry heightened risks, including seizures, preterm birth, and fetal exposure to medications linked to congenital malformations. This study highlights the urgent need for better cross-specialty communication and clinical decision-support tools to prevent dangerous drug interactions from going undetected.
