An increased risk of the following serious adverse reactions has been associated with the use of oral contraceptives (see WARNINGS section):

There is evidence of an association between the following conditions and the use of oral contraceptives:

The following adverse reactions have been reported in patients receiving oral contraceptives and are believed to be drug-related:

The following adverse reactions have been reported in users of oral contraceptives and the association has been neither confirmed nor refuted:

Read the Kariva (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol and ethinyl estradiol) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

Reduced efficacy and increased incidence of breakthrough bleeding and menstrual irregularities have been associated with concomitant use of rifampin. A similar association, though less marked, has been suggested with barbiturates, phenylbutazone, phenytoin sodium, carbamazepine and possibly with griseofulvin, ampicillin and tetracyclines (72).

Interactions With Laboratory Tests

Certain endocrine and liver function tests and blood components may be affected by oral contraceptives:

• Increased prothrombin and factors VII, VIII, IX and X; decreased antithrombin 3; increased nor-epinephrine-induced platelet aggregability.
• Increased thyroid binding globulin (TBG) leading to increased circulating total thyroid hormone, as measured by protein-bound iodine (PBI), T₄ by column or by radioimmunoassay. Free T₃ resin uptake is decreased, reflecting the elevated TBG; free T₄ concentration is unaltered.
• Other binding proteins may be elevated in serum.
• Sex hormone-binding globulins are increased and result in elevated levels of total circulating sex steroids; however, free or biologically active levels either decrease or remain unchanged.
• High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides may be increased, while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (Total-C) may be decreased or unchanged.
• Glucose tolerance may be decreased.
• Serum folate levels may be depressed by oral contraceptive therapy. This may be of clinical significance if a woman becomes pregnant shortly after discontinuing oral contraceptives.

Last reviewed on RxList: 8/5/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.