Drug interactions
Cyclosporin + Levonorgestrel transdermal
Severity: Moderate
Cyclosporin and Levonorgestrel transdermal: 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
Transdermal levonorgestrel products are usually combined with ethinylestradiol, which can inhibit cyclosporine metabolism and raise its blood levels. This may increase the risk of cyclosporine toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporin and Levonorgestrel transdermal 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
The estrogen component inhibits CYP3A4-mediated cyclosporine metabolism, an effect shown with oral contraceptives.
What to do
Monitor cyclosporine trough levels and renal function after starting or stopping the patch and adjust the dose as needed.
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 Cyclosporin
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Aliskiren + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Bosentan + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Cidofovir + Cyclosporin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Dengue vaccine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporin with Levonorgestrel transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclosporin and Levonorgestrel transdermal 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. Transdermal levonorgestrel products are usually combined with ethinylestradiol, which can inhibit cyclosporine metabolism and raise its blood levels. This may increase the risk of cyclosporine toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporin and Levonorgestrel transdermal?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor cyclosporine trough levels and renal function after starting or stopping the patch and adjust the dose as needed.
What other medicines interact with Cyclosporin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cyclosporin with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Aliskiren, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Cyclosporin page.
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