Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Lenacapavir
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lenacapavir: 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
Lenacapavir is a moderate CYP3A inhibitor and may increase ethinyl estradiol and progestin exposure. Effects may persist for months after the last subcutaneous dose, raising the risk of hormonal adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lenacapavir 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; Lenacapavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Lenacapavir inhibits CYP3A4, decreasing first-pass and hepatic metabolism of ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel.
What to do
Monitor for estrogen-related adverse effects, including blood pressure and thrombosis risk factors, and reassess the contraceptive if they occur. Consider the prolonged inhibitory effect after dosing.
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 Lenacapavir
- Apalutamide + Lenacapavir Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Lenacapavir Contraindicated
- Enzalutamide + Lenacapavir Contraindicated
- Flibanserin + Lenacapavir Contraindicated
- Lenacapavir + Phenytoin Contraindicated
- Lenacapavir + Rifampicin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Lenacapavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lenacapavir 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. Lenacapavir is a moderate CYP3A inhibitor and may increase ethinyl estradiol and progestin exposure. Effects may persist for months after the last subcutaneous dose, raising the risk of hormonal adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lenacapavir?
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 for estrogen-related adverse effects, including blood pressure and thrombosis risk factors, and reassess the contraceptive if they occur. Consider the prolonged inhibitory effect after dosing.
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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