Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Exemestane
Severity: Major
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Exemestane: major 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
Exemestane lowers estrogen levels as treatment for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women, while an estrogen-containing contraceptive supplies estrogen. The estrogen opposes the therapeutic aim of exemestane and the combination is not appropriate. Exemestane is also not intended for premenopausal women.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Exemestane can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine; Exemestane belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism: exogenous estrogen counteracts the estrogen-lowering effect of the aromatase inactivator.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use of estrogen-containing products with exemestane. Use a non-hormonal contraceptive if contraception is needed and review the indication for treatment.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Exemestane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Exemestane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Exemestane can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Exemestane lowers estrogen levels as treatment for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women, while an estrogen-containing contraceptive supplies estrogen. The estrogen opposes the therapeutic aim of exemestane and the combination is not appropriate. Exemestane is also not intended for premenopausal women.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Exemestane?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use of estrogen-containing products with exemestane. Use a non-hormonal contraceptive if contraception is needed and review the indication for treatment.
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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