Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Metyrapone
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Metyrapone: 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
Estrogens raise cortisol-binding globulin and total cortisol, which can make metyrapone testing results hard to interpret. A subtherapeutic response to metyrapone has been described in women taking estrogen-containing contraceptives. This may lead to misdiagnosis or reduced cortisol-lowering effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Metyrapone 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; Metyrapone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Mechanism is not firmly established; estrogen-induced increases in cortisol-binding globulin and possible changes in metyrapone metabolism are proposed.
What to do
Consider stopping estrogen-containing contraceptives before and during metyrapone testing or treatment, using a non-hormonal contraceptive. Interpret cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol results cautiously if estrogen cannot be stopped.
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 Metyrapone
- Metyrapone + Pacritinib Major
- Budesonide + Metyrapone Moderate
- Cortisone + Metyrapone Moderate
- Cyproheptadine + Metyrapone Moderate
- Deflazacort + Metyrapone Moderate
- Dexamethasone + Metyrapone Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Metyrapone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Metyrapone 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. Estrogens raise cortisol-binding globulin and total cortisol, which can make metyrapone testing results hard to interpret. A subtherapeutic response to metyrapone has been described in women taking estrogen-containing contraceptives. This may lead to misdiagnosis or reduced cortisol-lowering effect.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Metyrapone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider stopping estrogen-containing contraceptives before and during metyrapone testing or treatment, using a non-hormonal contraceptive. Interpret cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol results cautiously if estrogen cannot be stopped.
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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