Search the Questions & Answers	Browse by Category
[Advanced Search]	-- Select Category -- Barrier Methods Contraception Emergency Contraception I.U.D. Injections/Implants Menses Miscellaneous Oral Contraception Pregnancy Sexually Transmitted Infection Sterilization

<< Return to questions

Is Mirena, the levonorgestrel IUD, made less effective if I use Topamax (topiramate)? #902/7

Would you like to... Print this page Email this page Post a comment Subscribe me Add to favorites Remove Highlighting Edit this Question I am 20 years old and I am curruntly taking Topamax to control migrains. I have found that the Topamax has really helped my situation. The only thing that is bothering me now is the fact that it's not wise to take an oral contraceptive pill with the Topamax as they dont go together. Can I use the Mirena device and be assured of not getting pregnant? I am a student and very dedicated to my studies and a pregnancy really wouldn't suit me at this moment in time. Kindest regards,  Great and very informative website! Student teacher in South Africa  You can be on Topamax (topiramate) and use a Mirena IUD.  Topamax does not lower the effectiveness of the levonorgestrel IUD (Mirena).  The World Health Organization publishes Medical Eligibility Criteria that confirm this statement.   Mirena is the most effective reversible contraceptive ever developed!  You are making a great choice.  By the way, it remains effective for 7, not just 5 years.  .   Good luck!               Key Words:  Topamax, migraine headaches, oral contraceptive pills, Mirena IUD, pregnant                  Reference: WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria for Starting Contraceptive Methods; World Health Organization; 2004:   http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/publications/

Robert A. Hatcher MD, MPH Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, GA ---2007-10-1

A Pocket Guide to Managing Contraception ISBN 978-0-9794395-0-6 #8005

The directors and owners of this website and any publications and information concerning health matters offered here advise a person with a particular problem to consult a primary-care clinician or a specialist in obstetrics, gynecology, or urology (depending on the problem or the contraceptive) as well as the product package insert and other references before diagnosing, managing, or treating the problem.

Post Comment

To post a comment for this question, simply complete the form below. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.

Your Name:    Email Address: * Your Comment: * Enter the code below:

Suggestions, recommendations, questions, comments, data from the literature, interpretation of laboratory tests and other information provided on this site are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be relied upon as advice from or implied to be a substitute for the professional advice of a physician, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, counselor or other healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your clinician or other professional for any questions you may have regarding your health, medical condition, method of birth control and other family planning or personal/social issues. Periodic references to costs of birth control methods on this website are estimates only and your actual cost for any specific method of birth control may be more or less than the stated amount. Emory University School of Medicine, Bridging the Gap Foundation, and Bridging the Gap Communications Inc are not responsible for any damage or loss you may incur as a result of your use of or reliance on any material or information provided through this website.