Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df: 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
Cobicistat inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase exposure to the progestin component, while elvitegravir boosted by cobicistat can alter ethinyl estradiol levels. Hormone exposure changes may affect contraceptive efficacy and tolerability. Labeling advises considering the hormonal effects rather than prohibiting use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df 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.
Why it happens
Cobicistat inhibits CYP3A4 and may alter hormone metabolism, with variable effects on estrogen and progestin exposure.
What to do
Review the contraceptive choice and consider a regimen with a well-characterized progestin, or add a barrier method. Monitor for progestogenic adverse effects, bleeding changes and contraceptive failure.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df 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. Cobicistat inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase exposure to the progestin component, while elvitegravir boosted by cobicistat can alter ethinyl estradiol levels. Hormone exposure changes may affect contraceptive efficacy and tolerability. Labeling advises considering the hormonal effects rather than prohibiting use.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Review the contraceptive choice and consider a regimen with a well-characterized progestin, or add a barrier method. Monitor for progestogenic adverse effects, bleeding changes and contraceptive failure.
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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