Selenium - Plan B (Levonorgestrel) Interaction

Interaction Details

Levonorgestrel is classified as belonging to the following category: Contraceptive Drugs

Contraceptive drugs might increase levels of selenium, although the clinical significance of this effect is unclear.
Some research suggests that oral contraceptives increase serum selenium levels in women taking oral contraceptives; however, other research shows no change in selenium levels. It is suggested that an increase could be due to increased carrier proteins, indicating a redistribution of selenium rather than a change in total body selenium.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

References

• Heese HD, Lawrence MA, Dempster WS, Pocock F. Reference concentrations of serum selenium and manganese in healthy nulliparas. S Afr Med J 1988;73:163-5.
• Lloyd B, Lloyd RS, Clayton BE. Effect of smoking, alcohol and other factors on the selenium status of a healthy population. J Epidemiol Commun Health 1983;37:213-7.
• Capel ID, Jenner M, Williams DC, et al. The effect of prolonged oral contraceptive steroid use on erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity. J Steroid Biochem 1981;14:729-32.
• Fallah S, Sani FV, Firoozrai M. Effect of contraceptive pill on the selenium and zinc status of healthy subjects. Contraception. 2009;80(1):40-3.

Levonorgestrel Overview

• Levonorgestrel is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse (sex without any method of birth control or with a birth control method that failed or was not used properly [e.g., a condom that slipped or broke or birth control pills that were not taken as scheduled]). Levonorgestrel should not be used to prevent pregnancy on a regular basis. This medication is to be used as an emergency contraceptive or backup in case regular birth control fails or is used incorrectly. Levonorgestrel is in a class of medications called progestins. It works by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary or preventing fertilization of the egg by sperm (male reproductive cells). It also may work by changing the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent development of a pregnancy. Levonorgestrel may prevent pregnancy, but it will not prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Selenium - More Interactions

Selenium interacts with 311 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.