Skip to content

Drug interactions

Dabrafenib + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone

Severity: Major

Dabrafenib and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone: 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

Dabrafenib induces CYP3A4 and other enzymes and may lower ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone concentrations. This can reduce contraceptive efficacy and increase the risk of unintended pregnancy, which is especially concerning with a teratogenic oncology drug.

What this interaction means in plain words

Dabrafenib and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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.

Dabrafenib belongs to Oncology; Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Dabrafenib induces CYP3A4 and other metabolic enzymes, accelerating hormone clearance.

What to do

Use an effective non-hormonal contraceptive method during dabrafenib therapy and for the period recommended in labeling after stopping, rather than relying on the hormonal pill.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Dabrafenib and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone, 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 14 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Dabrafenib with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dabrafenib and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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. Dabrafenib induces CYP3A4 and other enzymes and may lower ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone concentrations. This can reduce contraceptive efficacy and increase the risk of unintended pregnancy, which is especially concerning with a teratogenic oncology drug.

How serious is the interaction between Dabrafenib and Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

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 dabrafenib therapy and for the period recommended in labeling after stopping, rather than relying on the hormonal pill.

What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone 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.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in