Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
Severity: Moderate
Artemether / lumefantrine and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone: 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 can induce CYP3A4 and may lower hormone concentrations, so oral contraceptive efficacy may be reduced. The risk is limited by the short treatment course.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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
Artemether induces CYP3A4, increasing metabolism of ethinyl estradiol.
What to do
Advise an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method during treatment and until the next cycle is established.
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 Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Artemether / lumefantrine and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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 can induce CYP3A4 and may lower hormone concentrations, so oral contraceptive efficacy may be reduced. The risk is limited by the short treatment course.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?
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 is established.
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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