Drug interactions
Cyclosporine + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate
Severity: Moderate
Cyclosporine and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate: 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
Oral contraceptive estrogens have been reported to raise cyclosporine concentrations in some patients, which may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity and other adverse effects. The effect varies between individuals.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporine and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate 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 reduced CYP3A4-mediated cyclosporine metabolism by ethinyl estradiol, though the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor cyclosporine trough concentrations and renal function when starting or stopping the contraceptive, and adjust the cyclosporine 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Cyclosporine and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporine with Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclosporine and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate 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. Oral contraceptive estrogens have been reported to raise cyclosporine concentrations in some patients, which may increase the risk of nephrotoxicity and other adverse effects. The effect varies between individuals.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporine and Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
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 concentrations and renal function when starting or stopping the contraceptive, and adjust the cyclosporine dose accordingly.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-norgestimate page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
