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Drug interactions

Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Etravirine

Severity: Moderate

Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Etravirine: 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

Etravirine induces CYP3A4 and may lower hormonal contraceptive concentrations. It may also modestly alter ethinyl estradiol exposure, so contraceptive reliability is uncertain.

What this interaction means in plain words

Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Etravirine 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; Etravirine belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Induction of CYP3A4 by etravirine increases metabolism of contraceptive steroids.

What to do

Use an additional or alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method during etravirine therapy.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Etravirine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Etravirine 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. Etravirine induces CYP3A4 and may lower hormonal contraceptive concentrations. It may also modestly alter ethinyl estradiol exposure, so contraceptive reliability is uncertain.

How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Etravirine?

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 additional or alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method during etravirine therapy.

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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