Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Felbamate
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Felbamate: 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
Felbamate has been reported to lower ethinyl estradiol exposure, and it also induces CYP3A4 to some degree. This may reduce contraceptive efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Felbamate 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; Felbamate belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Probable weak CYP3A4 induction by felbamate increases hormone metabolism; mechanism not fully defined.
What to do
Advise an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method and monitor for breakthrough bleeding. Consider a different contraceptive approach.
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 Felbamate
- Felbamate + Ulipristal Major
- Amisulpride + Felbamate Moderate
- Amitriptyline + Felbamate Moderate
- Apalutamide + Felbamate Moderate
- Asenapine + Felbamate Moderate
- Bosentan + Felbamate Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Felbamate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Felbamate 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. Felbamate has been reported to lower ethinyl estradiol exposure, and it also induces CYP3A4 to some degree. This may reduce contraceptive efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Felbamate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise an additional non-hormonal contraceptive method and monitor for breakthrough bleeding. Consider a different contraceptive approach.
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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