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Drug interactions

Darunavir + Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone

Severity: Major

Darunavir 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

Darunavir, usually boosted with ritonavir or cobicistat, can change ethinyl estradiol exposure and may alter drospirenone levels. Contraceptive efficacy may be reduced, and increased drospirenone exposure may raise potassium.

What this interaction means in plain words

Darunavir 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.

Darunavir belongs to Anti Virals; Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone belongs to Endocrine.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Boosted darunavir affects CYP3A4 and glucuronidation, altering the metabolism of ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone.

What to do

Use an alternative or additional non-hormonal contraceptive method. If drospirenone is used, monitor serum potassium.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Darunavir with Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Darunavir 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. Darunavir, usually boosted with ritonavir or cobicistat, can change ethinyl estradiol exposure and may alter drospirenone levels. Contraceptive efficacy may be reduced, and increased drospirenone exposure may raise potassium.

How serious is the interaction between Darunavir 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 alternative or additional non-hormonal contraceptive method. If drospirenone is used, monitor serum potassium.

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.

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