Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Insulin nph
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Insulin nph: 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
Combined oral contraceptives can modestly impair glucose tolerance and reduce insulin sensitivity. Patients with diabetes may need higher insulin doses to maintain glycemic control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Insulin nph 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.
Why it happens
Estrogen and progestin components cause peripheral insulin resistance, opposing the glucose-lowering effect of insulin.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c when starting or stopping the contraceptive and adjust NPH insulin dose as needed.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Insulin nph?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Insulin nph 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. Combined oral contraceptives can modestly impair glucose tolerance and reduce insulin sensitivity. Patients with diabetes may need higher insulin doses to maintain glycemic control.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Insulin nph?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose and HbA1c when starting or stopping the contraceptive and adjust NPH insulin dose as needed.
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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