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ParaGard Drug Interactions
It is unknown if ParaGard® (the copper IUD) interacts with medications. This intrauterine device (IUD) does not contain any hormones. Although it is regulated as a drug by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many people do not consider it to be a drug.
There are no well-established drug interactions with ParaGard at this time. However, there have been a few reports of ParaGard failure (resulting in pregnancy) in women receiving azathioprine (Imuran®, Azasan®), an immunosuppressant medication. It has been suggested that immunosuppressant drugs may interfere with the way ParaGard works. However, this problem has been reported very rarely, and it is unclear if this is an actual interaction with ParaGard.
Also, the possibility of rare or minor interactions cannot be entirely ruled out. As a result, it is always a good idea to mention ParaGard whenever discussing your medications or medical devices with your healthcare provider.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD