Drug interactions
Belzutifan + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
Severity: Major
Belzutifan and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol: major 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
Belzutifan is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and may lower hormonal contraceptive concentrations, which can cause contraceptive failure or breakthrough bleeding. Belzutifan is also teratogenic, so reliable contraception is essential.
What this interaction means in plain words
Belzutifan and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Belzutifan belongs to Miscellaneous; Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 by belzutifan increases metabolism of contraceptive steroids.
What to do
Use an effective non-hormonal contraceptive method during belzutifan treatment and for the period specified in labeling after the last dose. Do not rely on hormonal contraceptives alone.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Belzutifan
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Belzutifan with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Belzutifan and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Belzutifan is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and may lower hormonal contraceptive concentrations, which can cause contraceptive failure or breakthrough bleeding. Belzutifan is also teratogenic, so reliable contraception is essential.
How serious is the interaction between Belzutifan and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an effective non-hormonal contraceptive method during belzutifan treatment and for the period specified in labeling after the last dose. Do not rely on hormonal contraceptives alone.
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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