Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
Severity: Moderate
Artemether / lumefantrine and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel: 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 is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and may lower hormonal contraceptive concentrations, potentially reducing contraceptive efficacy. The effect is probably modest and short-term, given the brief treatment course.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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 metabolism of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel by artemether.
What to do
Advise an additional barrier contraceptive method during treatment and until the next cycle has started or for 7 days after completion.
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-levonorgestrel
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Artemether / lumefantrine and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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 is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and may lower hormonal contraceptive concentrations, potentially reducing contraceptive efficacy. The effect is probably modest and short-term, given the brief treatment course.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
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 barrier contraceptive method during treatment and until the next cycle has started or for 7 days after completion.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel page.
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