Drug interactions
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Mifepristone
Severity: Moderate
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Mifepristone: 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
Mifepristone inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise ethinyl estradiol exposure. Mifepristone also blocks progesterone receptors, so it can oppose progestin effects on the endometrium. Both effects could cause estrogen-related adverse effects and unpredictable bleeding.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Mifepristone 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; Mifepristone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Mifepristone inhibits CYP3A4, reducing ethinyl estradiol metabolism, and antagonizes progesterone receptors.
What to do
Monitor for estrogenic adverse effects and abnormal bleeding. With chronic mifepristone use (e.g., Cushing's syndrome), prefer non-hormonal contraception, since mifepristone is anti-progestogenic and carries endometrial risk.
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 Mifepristone
- Apixaban + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Argatroban + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Cortisone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Dabigatran etexilate + Mifepristone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Mifepristone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Mifepristone 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. Mifepristone inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise ethinyl estradiol exposure. Mifepristone also blocks progesterone receptors, so it can oppose progestin effects on the endometrium. Both effects could cause estrogen-related adverse effects and unpredictable bleeding.
How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Mifepristone?
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 estrogenic adverse effects and abnormal bleeding. With chronic mifepristone use (e.g., Cushing's syndrome), prefer non-hormonal contraception, since mifepristone is anti-progestogenic and carries endometrial risk.
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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