Drug interactions
Desogestrel + Metformin
Severity: Minor
Desogestrel and Metformin: minor 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
Hormonal contraceptives containing progestins can slightly impair glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. This may modestly reduce glycemic control in patients taking metformin, though the effect is typically small with modern low-dose products.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel and Metformin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Desogestrel belongs to Endocrine; Metformin belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism through mild progestin-related reduction in insulin sensitivity.
What to do
No routine change is needed. Monitor glycemic control after starting the contraceptive and adjust antidiabetic therapy if needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Metformin
Other interactions of Desogestrel
- Carbamazepine + Desogestrel Major
- Berotralstat + Desogestrel Moderate
- Desogestrel + Lamotrigine Moderate
- Desogestrel + Mifepristone Moderate
- Desogestrel + Warfarin Moderate
- Alogliptin-metformin + Desogestrel Minor
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel with Metformin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desogestrel and Metformin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Hormonal contraceptives containing progestins can slightly impair glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. This may modestly reduce glycemic control in patients taking metformin, though the effect is typically small with modern low-dose products.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel and Metformin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine change is needed. Monitor glycemic control after starting the contraceptive and adjust antidiabetic therapy if needed.
What other medicines interact with Metformin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin page.
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