Sometimes one kind of medicine changes the way another kind of medicine works in the body. This is true not only for prescription medicines, but also for over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, herbal products, a few kinds of food (such as grapefruit juice), and even cigarettes!

Any time a doctor suggests a new prescription, be sure to talk about what other medicines are already in use. If two medications affect each other, the doctor may want to prescribe something else or change the amount to be taken.

Because of the way Inovelon® is broken down (digested), it is possible that other drugs would affect it. Also, Inovelon® could potentially affect the metabolism of other drugs that are digested in the liver (as many are), including birth control pills. This is why the doctor needs to know about everything that a person takes—prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and other dietary supplements, and herbs. In most cases, all the medicines can be used if the amounts are adjusted to allow for these changes.

Reviewed by Steven C. Schachter, MD
Submitted: 05/16/07