Interactions Between Hormonal Contraception and Anti-Retroviral Therapy: an Updated Review

This article aims to provide an updated review of the most recent data around hormonal contraceptives and anti-retroviral therapy.Recent FindingsPrior data have suggested possible pharmacologic interactions between certain hormonal contraceptives and anti-retroviral therapy. The most significant interactions implicated include those between progestin-based contraceptive implants and efavirenz as well as between combined hormonal contraceptives and protease inhibitors. Most past studies, however, feature small sample sizes with few clinical outcomes reported.SummaryRecent data since 2017 have largely affirmed prior studies on this topic, showing possible pharmacokinetic relationships between certain contraceptives and anti-retrovirals. Notably, while the effectiveness of progestin-based contraceptives, specifically the implant, appears reduced with efavirenz use, the overall effectiveness may remain higher than most other contraceptive methods. Larger studies are needed to provide further guidance before contraceptive-prescribing recommendations can be changed.
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - Category: OBGYN Source Type: research