Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Metformin
Severity: Minor
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Metformin: 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
Combined hormonal contraceptives can slightly impair glucose tolerance and may modestly reduce the glucose-lowering effect of metformin. The effect is usually small and manageable in most patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Metformin 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; Metformin belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Estrogen and progestin can reduce peripheral insulin sensitivity, opposing metformin's action.
What to do
Monitor glucose or HbA1c after starting or stopping the contraceptive and adjust the metformin dose if control worsens.
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 Metformin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Metformin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Metformin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Combined hormonal contraceptives can slightly impair glucose tolerance and may modestly reduce the glucose-lowering effect of metformin. The effect is usually small and manageable in most patients.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Metformin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor glucose or HbA1c after starting or stopping the contraceptive and adjust the metformin dose if control worsens.
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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