Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Ketoconazole
Severity: Minor
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Ketoconazole: 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
Ketoconazole may increase exposure to ethinyl estradiol and the progestin, potentially increasing estrogenic adverse effects. Contraceptive efficacy is not expected to fall.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Ketoconazole 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; Ketoconazole belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
Ketoconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor that reduces the metabolism of the contraceptive steroids.
What to do
No dose change is usually needed; monitor for estrogenic adverse effects and consider an alternative antifungal if they 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 Ketoconazole
- Alfuzosin + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Ketoconazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Ketoconazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Ketoconazole may increase exposure to ethinyl estradiol and the progestin, potentially increasing estrogenic adverse effects. Contraceptive efficacy is not expected to fall.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Ketoconazole?
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 dose change is usually needed; monitor for estrogenic adverse effects and consider an alternative antifungal if they 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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