Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Efavirenz
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Efavirenz: 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
Efavirenz can alter hormonal contraceptive exposure, and reduced efficacy has been a concern, particularly with implants. Effects on ethinyl estradiol are variable but contraceptive failure is possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Efavirenz 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.
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine; Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 and other enzymes may change metabolism of ethinyl estradiol and progestins.
What to do
Recommend a reliable additional or alternative method such as a copper IUD or DMPA, and use condoms for HIV protection.
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 Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Amobarbital + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Anastrozole + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Apalutamide + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
- Atazanavir + Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Major
Other interactions of Efavirenz
- Cobimetinib + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dienogest / estradiol valerate + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Efavirenz 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. Efavirenz can alter hormonal contraceptive exposure, and reduced efficacy has been a concern, particularly with implants. Effects on ethinyl estradiol are variable but contraceptive failure is possible.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Efavirenz?
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 a reliable additional or alternative method such as a copper IUD or DMPA, and use condoms for HIV protection.
What other medicines interact with Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with, for example, Fezolinetant, Aminocaproic acid, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol page.
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