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Drug interactions

Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone

Severity: Major

Anastrozole and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone: major interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Anastrozole lowers estrogen levels as breast cancer therapy, while the contraceptive provides exogenous estrogen that may oppose this effect. The combination defeats the purpose of therapy.

What this interaction means in plain words

Anastrozole and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Anastrozole belongs to Oncology; Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Pharmacodynamic antagonism between exogenous estrogen and aromatase inhibition.

What to do

Avoid estrogen-containing products with anastrozole. Use non-hormonal contraception when needed.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Anastrozole with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Anastrozole and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Anastrozole lowers estrogen levels as breast cancer therapy, while the contraceptive provides exogenous estrogen that may oppose this effect. The combination defeats the purpose of therapy.

How serious is the interaction between Anastrozole and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid estrogen-containing products with anastrozole. Use non-hormonal contraception when needed.

What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone page.

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