Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Etonogestrel
Severity: Moderate
Artemether / lumefantrine and Etonogestrel: 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/lumefantrine may weakly induce CYP3A4 and could lower etonogestrel concentrations, potentially reducing contraceptive reliability. Artemether can also reduce the exposure of hormonal contraceptives, so efficacy during and shortly after the antimalarial course is uncertain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Etonogestrel 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 etonogestrel by artemether, lowering progestin exposure.
What to do
Advise an additional barrier contraceptive method during treatment and for about one menstrual cycle afterwards.
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 Etonogestrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Etonogestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Artemether / lumefantrine and Etonogestrel 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/lumefantrine may weakly induce CYP3A4 and could lower etonogestrel concentrations, potentially reducing contraceptive reliability. Artemether can also reduce the exposure of hormonal contraceptives, so efficacy during and shortly after the antimalarial course is uncertain.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Etonogestrel?
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 for about one menstrual cycle afterwards.
What other medicines interact with Etonogestrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Etonogestrel with, for example, Amobarbital, Armodafinil, Bosentan. The full list is on the Etonogestrel page.
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