What should women of childbearing age be taught about first line antiepileptic drugs?
A. These drugs are safe for use during pregnancy
B. These drugs may cause birth control pills to be less effective
C. These drugs should be taken with antacids to minimize Gl discomfort
D. It is safe to use tanning beds while taking these drugs
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B. These drugs may cause birth control pills to be less effective.
First-line antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are commonly prescribed to women of childbearing age for managing epilepsy and seizure disorders. However, when discussing the use of these drugs, several important considerations regarding pregnancy and birth control should be communicated.
First, many AEDs, particularly those in the first-line category, can interact with hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills. These drugs may lower the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, which could increase the risk of unintended pregnancies. This is due to their potential to induce liver enzymes that metabolize hormones more quickly, thus reducing the levels of contraceptive hormones in the body. Therefore, it is essential that women taking AEDs use additional non-hormonal contraception methods, such as condoms, or choose alternative birth control options that are not affected by AEDs.
In addition to this, while some AEDs are considered safer than others during pregnancy, most carry a risk of teratogenic effects, meaning they can potentially cause birth defects. It is crucial for women of childbearing age who are considering pregnancy or who may become pregnant to consult their healthcare provider about the safest AED options. Certain drugs, like valproate, are associated with higher risks of birth defects and should generally be avoided during pregnancy.
Lastly, women on AEDs should be educated about their drug’s side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort. However, combining these drugs with antacids is not typically recommended because antacids may interfere with drug absorption, reducing their effectiveness.
Tanning beds (option D) should also be avoided, as some AEDs can increase sensitivity to sunlight, leading to an increased risk of sunburns and skin damage. This makes UV exposure even more dangerous for those taking these medications.