Drug interactions
Apalutamide + Ethinylestradiol
Severity: Major
Apalutamide and Ethinylestradiol: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 may lower ethinylestradiol levels, reducing the reliability of hormonal contraception. Apalutamide labeling notes it can reduce exposure to hormonal contraceptives.
What this interaction means in plain words
Apalutamide and Ethinylestradiol 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.
Why it happens
Apalutamide induces CYP3A4 and UGT enzymes, increasing ethinylestradiol clearance.
What to do
Use an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method or an alternative to hormonal contraception during and after apalutamide therapy. For non-contraceptive use, monitor efficacy.
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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References
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 Ethinylestradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Apalutamide and Ethinylestradiol 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 may lower ethinylestradiol levels, reducing the reliability of hormonal contraception. Apalutamide labeling notes it can reduce exposure to hormonal contraceptives.
How serious is the interaction between Apalutamide and Ethinylestradiol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method or an alternative to hormonal contraception during and after apalutamide therapy. For non-contraceptive use, monitor efficacy.
What other medicines interact with Apalutamide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Apalutamide with, for example, Cabotegravir, Cobicistat, Doravirine. The full list is on the Apalutamide page.
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