Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Lopinavir
Severity: Major
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lopinavir: major 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
Lopinavir/ritonavir lowers ethinyl estradiol exposure and may reduce contraceptive reliability. Effects on the progestin component are also uncertain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lopinavir can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol belongs to Endocrine; Lopinavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Induction of glucuronidation and oxidative metabolism of ethinyl estradiol by the ritonavir-boosted regimen.
What to do
Use an alternative non-hormonal contraceptive such as a copper IUD or condoms. Do not rely on the combined pill alone.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Lopinavir
- Alfuzosin + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eplerenone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Lopinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lopinavir can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Lopinavir/ritonavir lowers ethinyl estradiol exposure and may reduce contraceptive reliability. Effects on the progestin component are also uncertain.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Lopinavir?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an alternative non-hormonal contraceptive such as a copper IUD or condoms. Do not rely on the combined pill alone.
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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