Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
Severity: Moderate
Artemether / lumefantrine and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol: 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
Artemether may weakly induce CYP3A4 and could lower hormonal contraceptive concentrations. The label advises that contraceptive efficacy may be reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol 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
Induction of CYP3A4 by artemether increases metabolism of ethinyl estradiol and progestin.
What to do
Advise an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method during treatment and until the next cycle.
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 Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Amobarbital + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Anastrozole + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Apalutamide + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Atazanavir + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Artemether / lumefantrine and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol 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. Artemether may weakly induce CYP3A4 and could lower hormonal contraceptive concentrations. The label advises that contraceptive efficacy may be reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
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 treatment and until the next cycle.
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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