Drug interactions
Apalutamide + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
Severity: Major
Apalutamide and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol: 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
Apalutamide is a strong CYP3A4 inducer and can substantially lower exposure to ethinyl estradiol and progestins. This may lead to loss of contraceptive efficacy. Apalutamide is used in men, so the clinical relevance is limited to special situations.
What this interaction means in plain words
Apalutamide and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol 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.
Apalutamide belongs to Endocrine; Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 (and other enzymes) accelerates metabolism of the contraceptive hormones.
What to do
Avoid reliance on hormonal contraception; use an alternative effective method, with additional barrier protection during treatment.
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?
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Other interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Amobarbital + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Anastrozole + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Atazanavir + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Belzutifan + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
Other interactions of Apalutamide
- Apalutamide + Cabotegravir Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Cobicistat Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Ensitrelvir Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Fostemsavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Apalutamide with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Apalutamide and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol 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. Apalutamide is a strong CYP3A4 inducer and can substantially lower exposure to ethinyl estradiol and progestins. This may lead to loss of contraceptive efficacy. Apalutamide is used in men, so the clinical relevance is limited to special situations.
How serious is the interaction between Apalutamide and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
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 reliance on hormonal contraception; use an alternative effective method, with additional barrier protection during treatment.
What other medicines interact with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with, for example, Fezolinetant, Aminocaproic acid, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol page.
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