Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Fluvoxamine
Severity: Minor
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Fluvoxamine: minor 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
Ethinyl estradiol may reduce the clearance of fluvoxamine, which is a CYP1A2 substrate, leading to higher fluvoxamine levels. This could increase serotonergic adverse effects such as nausea, sedation and agitation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Fluvoxamine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine; Fluvoxamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Ethinyl estradiol weakly inhibits CYP1A2, decreasing fluvoxamine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for fluvoxamine adverse effects when starting or stopping the contraceptive and adjust the fluvoxamine dose if symptoms occur.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Fluvoxamine
- Agomelatine + Fluvoxamine Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Fluvoxamine Contraindicated
- Fezolinetant + Fluvoxamine Contraindicated
- Fluvoxamine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Fluvoxamine + Mavacamten Contraindicated
- Fluvoxamine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Fluvoxamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Fluvoxamine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Ethinyl estradiol may reduce the clearance of fluvoxamine, which is a CYP1A2 substrate, leading to higher fluvoxamine levels. This could increase serotonergic adverse effects such as nausea, sedation and agitation.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Fluvoxamine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for fluvoxamine adverse effects when starting or stopping the contraceptive and adjust the fluvoxamine dose if symptoms occur.
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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