Drug interactions
Cyclosporine + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
Severity: Moderate
Cyclosporine and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol: 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
Estrogen-containing contraceptives may raise cyclosporine concentrations, increasing risk of nephrotoxicity and other toxicity. Cyclosporine may also increase hormone exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporine and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol 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
Probable inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated cyclosporine metabolism by ethinyl estradiol.
What to do
Monitor cyclosporine trough levels and renal function when starting or stopping the contraceptive, and adjust the dose accordingly.
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 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporine with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclosporine and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol 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. Estrogen-containing contraceptives may raise cyclosporine concentrations, increasing risk of nephrotoxicity and other toxicity. Cyclosporine may also increase hormone exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporine and Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
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 when starting or stopping the contraceptive, and adjust the dose accordingly.
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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