Drug interactions
Atorvastatin + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
Severity: Minor
Atorvastatin and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol: minor 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
Atorvastatin can modestly raise ethinyl estradiol exposure in women taking combined oral contraceptives. The increase is small and rarely produces clinical effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atorvastatin and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Atorvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular; Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Atorvastatin may reduce first-pass sulfation or efflux of ethinyl estradiol, increasing its bioavailability.
What to do
No dose change is usually needed. Be aware of estrogenic adverse effects such as breast tenderness or nausea if they appear.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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
Other interactions of Atorvastatin
- Atorvastatin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Atorvastatin Major
- Atorvastatin + Clarithromycin Major
- Atorvastatin + Cobicistat Major
- Atorvastatin + Cyclosporin Major
- Atorvastatin + Danazol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atorvastatin with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Atorvastatin and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Atorvastatin can modestly raise ethinyl estradiol exposure in women taking combined oral contraceptives. The increase is small and rarely produces clinical effects.
How serious is the interaction between Atorvastatin and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose change is usually needed. Be aware of estrogenic adverse effects such as breast tenderness or nausea if they appear.
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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