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Drug interactions

Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Mycophenolate

Severity: Moderate

Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Mycophenolate: 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

Mycophenolate may modestly lower levonorgestrel exposure and its labeling advises additional contraception. It is also teratogenic, so any reduction in contraceptive reliability matters.

What this interaction means in plain words

Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Mycophenolate 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Mechanism is not established; pharmacokinetic effects on hormone levels are modest and inconsistent.

What to do

Use mycophenolate-labeled contraception: a hormonal method plus a barrier method, or an IUD, and do not rely on the pill alone.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol with Mycophenolate?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Mycophenolate 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. Mycophenolate may modestly lower levonorgestrel exposure and its labeling advises additional contraception. It is also teratogenic, so any reduction in contraceptive reliability matters.

How serious is the interaction between Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol and Mycophenolate?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use mycophenolate-labeled contraception: a hormonal method plus a barrier method, or an IUD, and do not rely on the 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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