A 31-year-old woman attends the GP for contraceptive advice. She is currently taking St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) for mild depression. She re...

Question

A 31-year-old woman attends the GP for contraceptive advice. She is currently taking St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) for mild depression. She requests the combined oral contraceptive pill. Which is the single most important interaction to advise about?

Accepted Answer

St John's Wort is an enzyme inducer that reduces the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives - she should stop St John's Wort or use a non-affected method

Answer

St John's Wort has no effect on contraceptive efficacy

Answer

St John's Wort only interacts with the progestogen-only pill

Answer

St John's Wort increases the side effects of the COC but does not reduce efficacy

Answer

St John's Wort interacts with the COC only if taken at the same time of day

uk-drcog MCQ (SBA): St John's Wort and Hormonal Contraception

A 31-year-old woman attends the GP for contraceptive advice. She is currently taking St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) for mild depression. She requests the combined oral contraceptive pill. Which is the single most important interaction to advise about?