title: Neurologist knowledge about interactions between antiepileptic drugs and contraceptive methods.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate neurologists' knowledge of contraceptive counseling for women receiving antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).
  
  
  METHODS
  An interview-based survey was conducted from February 2 to June 30, 2015, among neurologists working in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Direct interviews were conducted using a questionnaire that assessed knowledge of the pharmacological interactions between various contraceptive methods and six AEDs (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, topiramate, phenytoin, lamotrigine, and valproate) on the basis of WHO medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 42 neurologists who participated, 32 (76%) stated that they treated women with epilepsy and provided them with counseling for family planning. Overall, 34 (81%) recommended the use of a copper intrauterine device irrespective of the AED used, and 26 (60%) stated that they co-prescribed AEDs and hormonal contraceptives. Although 39 (93%) neurologists had knowledge that AEDs might contraindicate the use of some contraceptives, their knowledge regarding the specific drug interactions was lacking. Furthermore, 34 (81%) had no knowledge of WHO medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although most neurologists interviewed had knowledge of interactions between AEDs and hormonal contraceptives, they did not know which specific AEDs interacted with these agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
authors.forename: Hilda S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Suto
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Electronic address: giordanacb@yahoo.com.br.
authors.forename: Giordana C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Braga
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
authors.forename: Giuliano R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Scarpellini
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
authors.forename: Leandro I
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Takeuchi
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
authors.forename: João P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Leite
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; National Institute of Hormones and Women's Health, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
authors.forename: Carolina S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Vieira
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001938:Brazil; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D000072141:Neurologists; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal
keywords: Antiepileptic drug; Contraception; Epilepsy; Family planning; Knowledge; Neurologist