Drug interactions
Darunavir + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
Severity: Moderate
Darunavir and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel: 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
Ritonavir- or cobicistat-boosted darunavir can change ethinyl estradiol exposure, typically lowering it, which may reduce contraceptive reliability. Progestin exposure may also be altered.
What this interaction means in plain words
Darunavir and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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.
Darunavir belongs to Anti Virals; Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Boosted darunavir regimens alter hepatic metabolism, with induction of glucuronidation and oxidative pathways reducing estrogen levels.
What to do
Recommend an additional or alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method while on boosted darunavir. Consider an intrauterine device or injectable progestin as alternatives.
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 Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
Other interactions of Darunavir
- Alfuzosin + Darunavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Darunavir Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Flibanserin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Darunavir with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Darunavir and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel 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. Ritonavir- or cobicistat-boosted darunavir can change ethinyl estradiol exposure, typically lowering it, which may reduce contraceptive reliability. Progestin exposure may also be altered.
How serious is the interaction between Darunavir and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Recommend an additional or alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method while on boosted darunavir. Consider an intrauterine device or injectable progestin as alternatives.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel page.
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