A 25 year-old female patient will begin taking phenytoin for epilepsy. The patient tells the nurse she is taking oral contraceptives (OCPs). Which response will the nurse give?

a. "Continue taking OCPs because phenytoin is not safe during pregnancy."
b. "You should use a backup method of contraception along with OCPs."
c. "You should stop taking OCPs because of drug-drug interactions with phenytoin."
d. "You should take low-dose aspirin while taking these medications to reduce your risk of stroke."


ANS: B
Female patients who take oral contraceptives and anticonvulsants should be advised to use a backup method of contraception because of reduced effectiveness of OCPs. Patients should be cautioned to consult with a provider if considering pregnancy because of the teratogenic effects of anticonvulsants. Patients should not stop taking OCPs and do not need to take precautions against stroke.

Nursing

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