Drug interactions
Armodafinil + Mestranol
Severity: Moderate
Armodafinil and Mestranol: moderate 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
Mestranol is a prodrug of ethinylestradiol, and its exposure may be lowered by CYP3A4 induction from armodafinil. Reduced estrogen levels can lead to contraceptive failure or breakthrough bleeding.
What this interaction means in plain words
Armodafinil and Mestranol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Armodafinil induces CYP3A4, increasing the metabolism of the estrogen.
What to do
Advise an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method during armodafinil therapy and for about one month afterwards. Consider a higher-estrogen product or alternative contraception if breakthrough bleeding occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Armodafinil
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Armodafinil with Mestranol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Armodafinil and Mestranol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Mestranol is a prodrug of ethinylestradiol, and its exposure may be lowered by CYP3A4 induction from armodafinil. Reduced estrogen levels can lead to contraceptive failure or breakthrough bleeding.
How serious is the interaction between Armodafinil and Mestranol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method during armodafinil therapy and for about one month afterwards. Consider a higher-estrogen product or alternative contraception if breakthrough bleeding occurs.
What other medicines interact with Armodafinil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Armodafinil with, for example, Avapritinib, Elacestrant, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Armodafinil page.
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