edith asked
I am currently taking Naproxen and Cyproheptadine would anything happen if I started taking birth control?
Answer
Naproxen and cyproheptadine are safe to take with most birth control pills. However, if your birth control pill contains drospirenone, a progestin, there is moderate interaction with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which includes naproxen.
Drospirenone is a "third-generation" progestin and has different effects than older progestins. Drospirenone has both antiandrogenic effects and antimineralocorticoid effects, which can increase potassium levels in the body. NSAIDs, such as naproxen, can also increase potassium levels with long term use. Taking naproxen once in awhile isn't considered overly risky.
High levels of potassium levels is the body is known as hyperkalemia, which if left untreated can cause:
- Kidney dysfunction
- Muscle paralysis
- Arrhythmia
You are more at risk for hyperkalemia if you take other medications that increases potassium or you are elderly, dehydrated or if you have pre-existing kidney disease.
Birth control pills that contain drospirenone include:
- Yasmin
- Yaz
- Gianvi
- Loryna
- Nikki
- Ocella
- Syeda
- Vestura
- Zarah
If you are taking a birth control pill that does not contain drospirenone, it is safe to take with naproxen. If you are looking for a pain reliever that does not interact with drospirenone, acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) is a good choice.
