Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Lemborexant
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lemborexant: 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
Ethinyl estradiol is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor and may raise lemborexant levels. This can increase next-day somnolence and impaired alertness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lemborexant 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; Lemborexant belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Weak CYP3A4 inhibition by ethinyl estradiol reduces lemborexant metabolism.
What to do
Limit lemborexant to the lower maximum nightly dose recommended with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. Counsel about next-day drowsiness and driving.
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 Lemborexant
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Lemborexant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lemborexant 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. Ethinyl estradiol is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor and may raise lemborexant levels. This can increase next-day somnolence and impaired alertness.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lemborexant?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit lemborexant to the lower maximum nightly dose recommended with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. Counsel about next-day drowsiness and driving.
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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