Modafinil: important advice about pregnancy and contraception

Last Updated: Monday, 12 October 2026

Modafinil, also called Provigil, helps people with narcolepsy stay awake during the day.

The MHRA, the UK medicines regulator, warns that modafinil may increase the risk of serious birth defects and must not be used during pregnancy.

Contraception advice

If you could become pregnant, use effective contraception during treatment and for 2 months after stopping modafinil.

Modafinil can make some contraception less effective, including:

• The combined pill and progestogen-only pill.
• Contraceptive patches and vaginal rings.
• The contraceptive implant.

Do not rely on these methods alone. Ask your clinician or contraception service about a suitable method.

Suitable long-term methods that are not affected by modafinil include:

• The copper coil — a copper intrauterine device (IUD).
• The hormonal coil — a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS).
• The contraceptive injection — a depot progestogen-only injection.

If you need emergency contraception, seek advice promptly and tell the pharmacist or clinician you take modafinil, as it affects which treatment is suitable.

Planning a baby or think you are pregnant?

• Speak to your prescriber before trying for a baby. Continue contraception for 2 months after stopping treatment.
• Contact your prescriber immediately if you think you may be pregnant, so they can advise about stopping modafinil and alternative treatment.

Want to discuss your medicine?

Contact your GP practice to book a medication review with a clinician.

Read the full MHRA alert.