Carbimazole – Stronger Advice on Contraception

The MHRA has strengthened advice for healthcare professionals on contraception requirements for women with childbearing potential prescribed carbimazole.

The stronger guidance recommends following advice provided in the FSRH statement on contraception for women using known teratogenic drugs or drugs with potential teratogenic effects. The FSRH statement recommends that women at risk should always be advised to use highly effective contraception, such as the copper IUD, levonorgestrel IUS or progestogen implant. Women using other hormonal methods, such as COC, POP or DMPA injection, should be advised to use additional barrier methods.

The MHRA Medicines for Women’s Health Expert Advisory Group have developed a linked aide-memoire– a summary of guidance on contraceptive methods and frequency of pregnancy testing for women taking medicines with teratogenic potential.