Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Grapefruit
Severity: Minor
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Grapefruit: 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
Grapefruit juice may modestly increase ethinyl estradiol exposure by inhibiting intestinal CYP3A4. The clinical effect is generally small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Grapefruit have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Inhibition of intestinal CYP3A4 by grapefruit constituents reduces first-pass metabolism of ethinyl estradiol.
What to do
No change needed for occasional intake; advise patients to report estrogenic adverse effects if consuming large amounts regularly.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Grapefruit?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Grapefruit have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Grapefruit juice may modestly increase ethinyl estradiol exposure by inhibiting intestinal CYP3A4. The clinical effect is generally small.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Grapefruit?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No change needed for occasional intake; advise patients to report estrogenic adverse effects if consuming large amounts regularly.
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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