Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Elvitegravir
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Elvitegravir: 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-boosted elvitegravir increases progestin exposure and may lower ethinyl estradiol exposure, with uncertain contraceptive reliability. Data on desogestrel in particular are limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Elvitegravir 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 other enzymes, and elvitegravir weakly induces enzymes, altering contraceptive hormone levels.
What to do
Use an alternative or additional non-hormonal contraception method, or a regimen with recommended hormone content per the antiretroviral labeling.
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?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Elvitegravir 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-boosted elvitegravir increases progestin exposure and may lower ethinyl estradiol exposure, with uncertain contraceptive reliability. Data on desogestrel in particular are limited.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Elvitegravir?
MediHelp rates it moderate, 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 contraception method, or a regimen with recommended hormone content per the antiretroviral labeling.
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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